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Sci. STKE, 24 July 2007
Vol. 2007, Issue 396, p. tw264
[DOI: 10.1126/stke.3962007tw264]

EDITORS' CHOICE

Physiology Longevity on the Brain

Beverly A. Purnell

Science, AAAS, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Several studies show that loss-of-function mutations in the insulin-like signaling cascade extend the life span of worms and flies; however, equivalent mutations are associated with metabolic disease and fatal diabetes in mice. In contrast, calorie restriction or genetic strategies in mice that enhance insulin sensitivity lower the risk of age-related disease and extend life span. Taguchi et al. resolve these conflicting results by pointing to the brain as the site where reduced insulin-like signaling can extend mouse life span.

A. Taguchi, L. M. Wartschow, M. F. White, Brain IRS2 signaling coordinates life span and nutrient homeostasis. Science 317, 369-372 (2007). [Abstract] [Full Text]

Citation: B. A. Purnell, Longevity on the Brain. Sci. STKE 2007, tw264 (2007).

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