Mitochondrial influence on aging rate in Caenorhabditis elegans

Virtually every model of mitochondrial involvement in aging shares the underlying proposition that mitochondrial dysfunction will accelerate the rate of aging. Caenorhabditis elegans is a post-mitotic organism with limited capacity for replacement and repair, and there is a great deal of evidence that interventions which decrease the induction of damage extend lifespan in this model. However, decreased availability of ubiquinone in adulthood has also been found to promote longevity and stress resistance, and evidence tentatively supports decreased mitochondrial function under these conditions. In addition, gene silencing experiments and mutations that target mitochondrial electron transport have also been found to increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans, as has treatment with the mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A. The involvement of damage by reactive oxygen species has been suggested, and yet many of these manipulations would be expected to increase the production of reactive oxygen species. The extension of lifespan by these interventions seems paradoxical and the mechanism, when it is elucidated, promises to have far-reaching significance.