🔬Protein-Restricted Diet Extends Fruit Fly Lifespan by 28%
A protein diet tweak could unlock longer lives
TL;DR
A new study finds that restricting protein in fruit fly larvae can extend their adult lifespan by 28%. The key? A protein called Lsp2 that remembers early diet and controls ribosome production.
Scientists discovered that fruit flies fed a low-protein diet as larvae live longer as adults, with some outliving their well-fed siblings by 28%. The secret lies in a protein called Lsp2, which records early diet and regulates ribosome production. Adult flies fed less protein as larvae produce fewer ribosomes, slowing protein production and extending lifespan. The study reveals that nearly 64% of proteins in adult flies' heads are made from amino acids eaten as larvae, dropping to 46% by day six. This finding could have implications for understanding aging and longevity in humans.
Key Points
Fruit flies fed a low-protein diet as larvae live 28% longer as adults compared to well-fed siblings.
Larval serum protein 2 (Lsp2) records early diet and regulates ribosome production in adult flies.
Nearly 64% of proteins in adult flies' heads are made from amino acids eaten as larvae, dropping to 46% by day six.
Genetically silencing Lsp2 in larvae results in fewer ribosomal proteins and slower protein production in young adults.
Albumin and globulins in human blood are functional counterparts of Lsp2, potentially carrying a nutritional memory.
Why It Matters
If you're studying aging or longevity, this protein diet tweak could be a game changer. Fruit flies fed less protein as larvae live longer as adults, with Lsp2 playing a key role. This could have implications for human aging, as albumin and globulins in our blood are functional counterparts of Lsp2.
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