Expression profiling by high throughput sequencing
Summary
During aging, the loss of metabolic homeostasis drives a myriad of pathologies. A central regulator of cellular energy, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), orchestrates organismal metabolism. However, direct genetic manipulations of the AMPK complex in mice have, so far, produced detrimental phenotypes. Here, as an alternative approach, we alter energy homeostasis by manipulating the upstream nucleotide pool. Using the turquoise killifish, we mutate APRT, a key enzyme in AMP biosynthesis, and extend the lifespan of heterozygous males. Next, applying an integrated omics approach identify that metabolic functions are rejuvenated in old mutants, which also display a fasting-like metabolic profile and resistance to high-fat diet. On the cellular level, heterozygous cells exhibit enhanced nutrient sensitivity, reduced ATP levels, and AMPK ¬activation. Finally, lifelong intermittent fasting abolishes the longevity benefits. Our findings suggest that perturbing AMP biosynthesis may modulate vertebrate lifespan, and propose APRT as a promising target for promoting metabolic health.
Overall design
Samples of livers and muscle of the Nothobranchius furzeri at different experimental conditions, including Age: 6.5 weeks-old (young) and 15 weeks-old (old); Genotype: wild-type (WT) and APRT heterozygous (Het); Feeding condition: fully fed (full) and starved 24h (fasted); and Sex: males (M) and females (F). The muscles and livers were extracted from the same fish.
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