Martínez Corrales, G., Filer, D., Wenz, K.C., Rogan, A., Phillips, G., Li, M., Feseha, Y., Broughton, S.J., Alic, N. (2020). Partial Inhibition of RNA Polymerase I Promotes Animal Health and Longevity.  Cell Rep. 30(6): 1661--1669.e4.

FBrf0244832

Research paper

Health and survival in old age can be improved by changes in gene expression. RNA polymerase (Pol) I is the essential, conserved enzyme whose task is to generate the pre-ribosomal RNA (rRNA). We find that reducing the levels of Pol I activity is sufficient to extend lifespan in the fruit fly. This effect can be recapitulated by partial, adult-restricted inhibition, with both enterocytes and stem cells of the adult midgut emerging as important cell types. In stem cells, Pol I appears to act in the same longevity pathway as Pol III, implicating rRNA synthesis in these cells as the key lifespan determinant. Importantly, reduction in Pol I activity delays broad, age-related impairment and pathology, improving the function of diverse organ systems. Hence, our study shows that Pol I activity in the adult drives systemic, age-related decline in animal health and anticipates mortality.

PMC7013379 (PMC) (EuropePMC)