Metabolic mechanisms of yeast ageing

The genetic analysis of ageing of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae points to several processes important in determining life span. Among these, meta bolic control plays a leading role. An examination of the molecular mechani sms underlying metabolic control of longevity has revealed two separate pat hways. The retrograde response signals mitochondrial dysfunction to the nuc leus resulting in gene regulatory changes that compensate. Nutritional stat us also modulates life span, adjusting metabolism to efficiently utilize en ergy resources, in a response that closely resembles the caloric restrictio n paradigm described in rodents. Although the retrograde response and calor ic restriction are distinct pathways of life span extension, there appears to be some overlap of the longevity effecters under their control. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.