The role of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I in mammalian ageing

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Sep;18(3):393-406. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2004.02.002.

Abstract

Research with invertebrates over the past 10 years has suggested that alterations in insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signalling result in increased lifespan and retard ageing. In this chapter, we describe the current research in mammalian systems with respect to the role of insulin or IGF-I in ageing. Using rodent models of caloric restriction and genetic mouse models, e.g. the Ames and Snell dwarf mice, fat-specific insulin receptor knockout mice (FIRKO) and mice that are heterozygous for the IGF-I receptor (Igf1r+/-), investigators have shown that a reduction in plasma levels of insulin and/or IGF-I or reductions in insulin/IGF-I signalling appear to be correlated with increased longevity and retarded ageing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Dwarfism
  • Energy Intake
  • Humans
  • Insulin / physiology*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Animal
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / deficiency
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / genetics
  • Receptor, Insulin / deficiency
  • Receptor, Insulin / genetics
  • Receptor, Insulin / physiology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1
  • Receptor, Insulin