| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2792979 | Cell Metabolism | 2012 | 7 Pages |
SummaryChanges in fat content have been associated with dietary restriction (DR), but whether they play a causal role in mediating various responses to DR remains unknown. We demonstrate that upon DR, Drosophila melanogaster shift their metabolism toward increasing fatty-acid synthesis and breakdown, which is required for various responses to DR. Inhibition of fatty-acid synthesis or oxidation genes specifically in the muscle tissue inhibited life-span extension upon DR. Furthermore, DR enhances spontaneous activity of flies, which was found to be dependent on the enhanced fatty-acid metabolism. This increase in activity was found to be at least partially required for the life-span extension upon DR. Overexpression of adipokinetic hormone (dAKH), the functional ortholog of glucagon, enhances fat metabolism, spontaneous activity, and life span. Together, these results suggest that enhanced fat metabolism in the muscle and physical activity play a key role in the protective effects of DR.
Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (215 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► DR enhances both fatty-acid synthesis and utilization in Drosophila melanogaster ► Enhanced fatty-acid metabolism in the muscle increases activity and life span ► Increased physical activity upon DR is required for life-span extension ► Overexpression of dAKH enhances fat metabolism, activity, and life span
