Abstract
BackgroundOutcomes of lifespan studies in model organisms are particularly susceptible to variations in technical procedures. This is especially true of dietary restriction, which is implemented in many different ways among laboratories.Principal FindingsIn this study, we have examined the effect of laboratory stock maintenance, genotype differences and microbial infection on the ability of dietary restriction (DR) to extend life in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. None of these factors block the DR effect.ConclusionsThese data lend support to the idea that nutrient restriction genuinely extends lifespan in flies, and that any mechanistic discoveries made with this model are of potential relevance to the determinants of lifespan in other organisms.
Highlights
In order to maximise its genetic contribution to posterity, an organism must appropriately direct the use of nutrients to traits such as growth, reproduction and repair
These data lend support to the idea that nutrient restriction genuinely extends lifespan in flies, and that any mechanistic discoveries made with this model are of potential relevance to the determinants of lifespan in other organisms
As a result of performing these experiments with flies of different genetic backgrounds, we find interesting differences in the interaction between diet and genotype that form a solid basis for future work to uncover how dietary restriction (DR) extends the lifespan of flies and other organisms
Summary
In order to maximise its genetic contribution to posterity, an organism must appropriately direct the use of nutrients to traits such as growth, reproduction and repair. This will mean maximising one trait at the expense of another This idea has been used to explain the observation that relatively low food intake can result in longer life, because it comes at the cost of reduced rates of reproduction [1,2,3,4]. This particular trade-off phenomenon is widespread and has been termed dietary restriction or DR. This is especially true of dietary restriction, which is implemented in many different ways among laboratories
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