Acta Entomologica Sinica ›› 2016, Vol. 59 ›› Issue (1): 102-110.doi: 10.16380/j.kcxb.2016.01.012

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Mechanisms of aging in Drosophila melanogaster

ZHANG Chun-Hong#, ZHANG Min-Jing#, JIAO Wen-Juan, ZHU Qing-Zi, ZHU Zeng-Rong*   

  1. (Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310058)
  • Online:2016-01-20 Published:2016-01-20

Abstract: Aging is a complex process that involves the accumulation of poisonous materials inducing the decline of life function, leading to the decrease in physiological functions and ultimately leading to disease and death. Drosophila melanogaster represents one of the most important genetical tools and is widely used in the study of aging. In this article, we summarized the relationship of aging with juvenile hormone, insulin/IGF signaling pathways, target of rapamycin pathway, AMPK pathway, caloric restriction, oxidative stress, microRNA and sphingolipid metabolism. In addition, genome wide association studies may be able to find genomic region, which has potential relationship with aging. The studies based on the model organism D. melanogaster are very useful for studies in aging process of other insects. These will result in further understanding the similar mechanisms in Insecta, the most diverse animal class, so as to develop manipulation techniques for extending longevity of natural enemies and other beneficial insects and reducing fecundity and lifespan of harmful insects in agricultural and urban ecosystems.

Key words: Drosophila melanogaster, aging, sphingolipid metabolism, stress response, calories restriction, gene regulation