Neuron-specific overexpression of core clock genes improves stress-resistance and extends lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Gene expression is much altered in aging. We observed age-dependent decline of core clock genes' expression in the whole body of the fruit fly. We hypothesized that inducible overexpression of clock genes (cry, per, tim, cyc and Clk) in the nervous system can improve healthspan of D. melanogaster. We studied the lifespan of transgenic Drosophila and showed life extension for cry, per, cyc and tim genes. It was also the significant positive changes in the stress-resistance of flies overexpressing core clock genes in conditions of hyperthermia, hyperoxia, starvation and persistent lighting. The overexpression of per and cry restore circadian rhythms of locomotor activity. The results presented support the hypotheses that the compensation of circadian oscillator genes expression can improve the healthspan in Drosophila melanogaster.