A mutation in Drosophila methuselah resists paraquat induced Parkinson-like phenotypes

Efficacy of methuselah gene mutation toward tolerance of dichlorvos exposure in Drosophila melanogaster

“…Concurrently, we observed enhanced antioxidant defense in DDVPexposed (12-48 h) mth 1 flies as evident by significantly higher SOD and CAT activities compared with similarly exposed w 1118 flies. Our observations are in agreement with earlier reports wherein higher SOD activity, less lipid peroxidation, and less cell death were observed in paraquat-exposed mth 1 flies [15,16]. The impact of xenobiotic exposure can be apparent at the organismal level as a consequence of damage at suborganismal levels (molecular, cellular) and thus, population dynamics may eventually be affected.…”

“…This indicates the role of reduced mth signaling toward protection against DDVP-induced developmental damage in exposed Drosophila. We also observed improved chemical resistance and locomotor performance in mth 1 flies after their acute exposure (12-48 h) to DDVP, which is in agreement with earlier studies wherein organismal benefit was achieved against exposure to paraquat [12,16]. OP-induced AChE inhibition results in the accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.…”

“…Earlier, mth mutation has been reported to enhance the longevity of Drosophila. Further, mth flies were also shown to tolerate starvation, heat, and paraquat-induced oxidative stress [12,[15][16][17]. In agreement with the above, we observed that mth 1 flies that were exposed to DDVP for 12-48 h displayed tolerance to oxidative damage as evidenced by lower levels of reactive oxygen species (O 2…”

“…This study demonstrated longevity and stress-resistance phenotypes after targeted modulation of mth in insulin-producing cells of Drosophila brain and proposed that reduced mth expression inhibits insulin secretion, which subsequently initiates the JNK signaling cascade to activate downstream FOXO and superoxide dismutase (SOD), leading to diminished free radical generation and increased resistance against oxidative stress. In a recent study, mth mutation was shown to provide resistance against paraquat-induced oxidative stress and dopaminergic neuronal cell death in exposed Drosophila [16]. Interestingly, the studies regarding improved chemical resistance in flies carrying the mth mutation focused mainly on short-term high-level chemical exposure to show the beneficial effect of this mutation [12,[15][16][17][18].…”

“…In a recent study, mth mutation was shown to provide resistance against paraquat-induced oxidative stress and dopaminergic neuronal cell death in exposed Drosophila [16]. Interestingly, the studies regarding improved chemical resistance in flies carrying the mth mutation focused mainly on short-term high-level chemical exposure to show the beneficial effect of this mutation [12,[15][16][17][18]. However, no study is available so far on cellular as well as organismal benefits offered by mth mutation with respect to age against long-term low-level chemical exposure.…”