P66SHC and Ageing: ROS and TOR?

Giovambattista Pani

doi:10.18632/aging.100182

Abstract

Both Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and hyperactivation of the nutrient-sensing mTOR/S6 kinase cascade have been linked to aging and age-related diseases as well as to the anti-aging effect of calorie restriction. Recent findings that the pro-aging and pro-oxidant molecule p66shc contributes to S6K activation by nutrients and promotes insulin resistance and diabetes in mice may provide an answer to the "ROS or TOR?" dilemma.

Highlights

In late 90’s, the idea that manipulation of one single gene could significantly extend longevity of a complex model organism was certainly not an heretic one [1]
Mounting evidence indicate that effects of calorie restriction on longevity involve a number of nutrient-sensing molecular networks that regulate, beside Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and scavenging, DNA repair, inflammation, cell proliferation and body growth [10]
We were initially interested in determining whether p66shc may have a role in insulin resistance, the signaling dysfunction underlying glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes associated with overnutrition and overweight

Summary

Introduction

In late 90’s, the idea that manipulation of one single gene could significantly extend longevity of a complex model organism was certainly not an heretic one [1]. This finding tied p66 and its effect on longevity to ROS and mitochondria, in perfect agreement with Harman’s theories; studies performed on p66KO mice involved p66 in a number of typical age-related diseases, including vascular diabetic complication and atherosclerosis, already suspected to be caused by excess oxidative stress [8].

Results

Conclusion