REGULATION OF GENE-EXPRESSION IS LINKED TO LIFE-SPAN IN ADULT DROSOPHILA

Examination of gene expression and aging in adult Drosophila reveals t hat the expression of some genes is regulated by age-dependent mechani sms. Genetic mutations, Hyperkinetic(1) and Shaker(5), which are known to shorten life span through an acceleration of the aging process, we re used to study the expression of an enhancer trap marked gene. The t emporal pattern of expression for such a marked gene shows scaling wit h respect to life span; it is altered in direct proportion to the life expectancy of the adult animal. This demonstrates that expression of this gene is controlled through mechanisms coupled to physiologic as o pposed to chronologic age. Results provide direct evidence for linkage between the regulation of gene expression and life span and establish a model system for the genetic analysis of aging.