Inhibition of a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel on neuronal cilia activates unfolded protein response in intestinal cells to promote longevity

Abstract

Ciliary defects are linked to ciliopathies, but impairments in the sensory cilia of Caenorhabditis elegans neurons extend lifespan, a phenomenon with previously unclear mechanisms. Our study reveals that neuronal cilia defects trigger the unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum (UPR ER ) within intestinal cells, a process dependent on the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling transcription factor and the release of neuronal signaling molecules. While inhibiting UPR ER doesn’t alter the lifespan of wild-type worms, it normalizes the extended lifespan of ciliary mutants. Notably, deactivating the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel TAX-4 on the ciliary membrane promotes lifespan extension through a UPR ER -dependent mechanism. Conversely, constitutive activation of TAX-4 attenuates intestinal UPR ER in ciliary mutants. Administering a CNG channel blocker to worm larvae activates intestinal UPR ER and increases adult longevity. These findings suggest that ciliary dysfunction in sensory neurons triggers intestinal UPR ER , contributing to lifespan extension and implying that transiently inhibiting ciliary channel activity may effectively prolong lifespan.