Authors: Wesley Hendricks
Mentors: Steve Johnson
Insitution: Brigham Young University
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride (PGZ) is a well-accepted treatment of type-II diabetes and has been shown in previous studies to increase lifespan of C. elegans. The agonist has been shown to affect the insulin, IGF-1 signaling pathway (IIS), dietary restriction (DR) and germline signaling pathways. Previous studies have not been able to identify epigenetic marks that are a result of the pathway effects of PGZ (Jia Wenguan et. al). This study seeks to understand how subsequent generations are affected by antiaging compounds and what epigenetic marks are transmitted through the germline of C. elegans from these three pathways. After exposure, through lifespan tracking, we hope to see a change in transgenerational longevity. Using RNAi, we then plan to knockout known genes in each pathway. We hope to see that intestine-germline pathway and maintenance genes that are known to function in each pathway are required for the longevity effect.