Expression of a single-copy hsp-16.2 reporter predicts life span

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2012 Jun;67(7):726-33. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glr225. Epub 2012 Jan 6.

Abstract

The level of green fluorescent protein expression from an hsp-16.2-based transcriptional reporter predicts life span and thermotolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans. The initial report used a high-copy number reporter integrated into chromosome IV. There was concern that the life-span prediction power of this reporter was not attributable solely to hsp-16.2 output. Specifically, prediction power could stem from disruption of some critical piece of chromatin on chromosome IV by the gpIs1 insertion, a linked mutation from the process used to create the reporter, or from an artifact of transgene regulation (multicopy transgenes are subject to regulation by C elegans chromatin surveillance machinery). Here we determine if the ability to predict life span and thermotolerance is specific to the gpIs1 insertion or a general property of hsp-16.2-based reporters. New single-copy hsp-16.2-based reporters predict life span and thermotolerance. We conclude that prediction power of hsp-16.2-based transcriptional reporters is not an artifact of any specific transgene configuration or chromatin surveillance mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Heat-Shock Proteins / genetics*
  • Heat-Shock Proteins / physiology
  • Longevity

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Heat-Shock Proteins
  • hsp-16.2 protein, C elegans
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins