DJR-1.2 of Caenorhabditis elegans is induced by DAF-16 in the dauer state

•Expression of DJR-1.2 is highly increased in the dauer stage.•DJR-1.2 protects dauer worms from glyoxal.•The induction of DJR-1.2 is mediated by DAF-16.

Caenorhabditis elegans DJR-1.2, a homolog of human DJ-1, has recently been demonstrated to be a novel glyoxalase and protects worms against glyoxals. Here, we report that expression of DJR-1.2 is substantially increased during starvation as well as in the dauer stage. The induction of DJR-1.2 led to increased glyoxalase activity in the dauer state, thereby increasing protection against glyoxals. The induction is regulated by DAF-16, a transcriptional regulator implicated in oxidative stress and normal lifespan.