Abstract
Research on Podospora anserina unraveled a network of molecular pathways affecting biological aging. In particular, a number of pathways active in the control of mitochondria were identified on different levels. A long-known key process active during aging of P. anserina is the age-related reorganization of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mechanisms involved in the stabilization of the mtDNA lead to lifespan extension. Another critical issue is to balance mitochondrial levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This is important because ROS are essential signaling molecules, but at increased levels cause molecular damage. At a higher level of the network, mechanisms are active in the repair of damaged compounds. However, if damage passes critical limits, the corresponding pathways are overwhelmed and impaired molecules as well as those present in excess are degraded by specific enzymes or via different forms of autophagy. Subsequently, degraded units need to be replaced by novel functional ones. The corresponding processes are dependent on the availability of intact genetic information. Although a number of different pathways involved in the control of cellular homeostasis were uncovered in the past, certainly many more exist. In addition, the signaling pathways involved in the control and coordination of the underlying pathways are only initially understood. In some cases, like the induction of autophagy, ROS are active. Additionally, sensing and signaling the energetic status of the organism plays a key role. The precise mechanisms involved are elusive and remain to be elucidated.
Highlights
Accepted: 28 March 2021Podospora anserina is a filamentous fungus that, in contrast to most other fungi, is characterized by a defined limited lifespan
We focus on the network of interacting pathways and include recent studies that provide new perspectives to unravel the role of cellular homeostasis in aging and lifespan control of P. anserina in more detail
PaSOD3 in the overexpressor quality control were affected. These effects turned out to result from the increased generIn another series of studies PaMTH1, a protein encoded by a nuclear gene, was identiation of hydrogen peroxide by the increased abundance of PaSOD3 in the overexpressor fied to accumulate during aging and turned out to be an S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase [22,29,40]
Summary
Podospora anserina is a filamentous fungus that, in contrast to most other fungi, is characterized by a defined limited lifespan. These effects turned out to result from the increased generIn another series of studies PaMTH1, a protein encoded by a nuclear gene, was identiation of hydrogen peroxide by the increased abundance of PaSOD3 in the overexpressor fied to accumulate during aging and turned out to be an S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase [22,29,40]. In another series of studies PaMTH1, a protein encoded by a nuclear gene, was idenPaMTH1 is able to methylate flavonoids with vicinal hydroxyl groups, which are prone to tified to accumulate during aging and turned out to be an S-adenosylmethionine-dependproduce ROS in the presence of iron or copper [31,41] The methylation of these groups ent methyltransferase [22,29,40]. Processes leading to well-balanced levels of ROS are effective in the control of cellular homeostasis and act as pro-survival mechanisms
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