Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule in multicellular organisms. Most animals produce NO from l-arginine by a family of dedicated enzymes known as NO synthases (NOSes). A rare exception is a round worm Caenorhabditis elegans, which lacks its own NOS. However, in its natural environment C. elegans feeds on Bacilli that possess functional NOS. Here we demonstrate that bacteria-derived NO contributes to C. elegans longevity and stress resistance. The anti-aging mechanism of bacterial NO relies specifically on HSF-1-mediated induction of the animal’s heat shock proteins. Our work demonstrates an example of interspecies signaling by a small molecule and illustrates the life-long value of commensal bacteria to their host.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
