Ginsenoside Rg1 Delays Chronological Aging in a Yeast Model via CDC19- and SDH2-Mediated Cellular Metabolism

Abstract

Ginsenosides, active substances in Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng), extend lifespan in multiple species, ameliorate age-associated damage, and limit functional decline in multiple tissues. However, their active components and their molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) promoted longevity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Treatment with Rg1 decreased aging-mediated surface wrinkling, enhanced stress resistance, decreased reactive oxygen species’ production and apoptosis, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and decreased the aging rate. Proteomic analysis indicated that Rg1 delays S. cerevisiae senescence by regulating metabolic homeostasis. Protein–protein interaction networks based on differential protein expression indicated that CDC19, a homologue of pyruvate kinase, and SDH2, the succinate dehydrogenase iron–sulfur protein subunit, might be the effector proteins involved in the regulation by Rg1. Further experiments confirmed that Rg1 improved specific parameters of mitochondrial bioenergetics and core enzymes in the glycolytic pathway. Mutant strains were constructed that demonstrated the relationships between metabolic homeostasis and the predicted target proteins of Rg1. Rg1 could be used in new treatments for slowing the aging process. Our results also provide a useful dataset for further investigations of the mechanisms of ginseng in aging.

Nurturing longevity through natural compounds: Where do we stand, and where do we go?

“…For instance, honokiol induces mitochondrial fusion through SIRT3 activation and thus reverses cardiac hypertrophy (Pillai et al., 2015, 2017). Activated OXPHOS complex and upregulated mitochondrial antioxidant genes sdh‐2 and cdc‐19 induced prolonged lifespan in C. elegans as a result of ginsenoside Rg1 treatment (S. Wang et al., 2023). Green tea polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin (EGC) and EGC gallate (EGCG), are known to delay aging in various model systems.…”

Exploring the anti-aging potential of natural products and plant extracts in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A review

“…It was also demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg1 treatment resulted in enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics and glycolytic enzymes, thereby improving metabolic homeostasis and delayed aging in S. cerevisiae. 45…”