T. Kawano et al., Molecular cloning and characterization of a new insulin/IGF-like peptide of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, BIOC BIOP R, 273(2), 2000, pp. 431-436
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Diapause, aging, and fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans are regulat
ed by DAF-2, a homolog of mammalian insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I (I
GF-I) receptors. We have cloned and characterized a C. elegans gene encodin
g a new insulin/IGF-like peptide. The gene containing three exons encodes a
precursor protein 95 residue long. Although the putative precursor contain
s a signal peptide, B chain, C peptide, and A chain like the preproinsulin,
the mature peptide consists of one polypeptide-like IGF. The predicted ter
tiary structure seems similar to crystal structure of insulin. Therefore, t
he peptide may be a hybrid molecule of insulin and IGF. The peptide express
ion was detected at the embryonic and several larval stages. Disruption of
the peptide production led to an extended life span like the daf-2 mutation
, suggesting that the peptide should be one of the ligands of the DAF-2. Th
is is the first description of the peptide that mediates animal longevity.
(C) 2000 Academic Press.