Japanese scientists have discovered a unique bacterial strain that remarkably extends the lifespan of nematode worms
Unveiling a breakthrough in longevity research, Japanese scientists have discovered a unique bacterial strain that remarkably extends the lifespan of nematode worms, offering intriguing implications for human anti-ageing.
In a breakthrough that may shine a light on the elusive fountain of youth, researchers from Osaka City University and Tezukayama Gakuin University have discovered a special strain of bacteria, B. subtilis var. natto, that extends the lifespan of the nematode worm, C. elegans. More importantly, this bacterial diet does not decrease the worm’s fertility, which is a common side effect of dietary restriction often observed in longevity research.
While C. elegans may appear to be an unlikely research subject, this tiny worm has long been a favoured petri-dish subject in the quest to uncover the secrets of ageing. Its short lifespan, just a few weeks, allows scientists to discern the effects of various treatments quickly, while its surprisingly complex physiology mirrors many aspects of higher organisms, including humans. Thus, insights gleaned from this tiny creature could have profound implications for human health and ageing.
The researchers’ findings were published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
To understand the bacteria’s effect, the researchers replaced the worms’ standard diet of E. Coli, another type of bacteria, with various strains of B. subtilis var. natto, found in a fermented soybean dish called ‘natto’. Among these, the standout strain, MI-OMU01, proved superior, extending the worms’ lives significantly without compromising their reproductive capacity.
Contrary to conventional understanding, the worms’ longevity was not achieved by the traditional path of dietary restriction. Instead, the research hinted at several different biological pathways being activated, depending on the life stage of the worms.
“Adult worms on the B. subtilis var. natto diet showed increased resistance to stressors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidative stress, but not to pathogens or heat stress,” added Nao Teramoto, first author of the study.
By digging deeper into the cellular machinery, the scientists discovered that the MI-OMU01 bacterial strain tweaks the worm’s genetics to fortify its defences against harmful bacteria. The study’s corresponding author Eriko Kage-Nakadai noted this bacterial diet triggered the activation of certain genes tied to stress response and longevity, particularly those linked to the p38 MAPK and IIS pathways. These pathways, which play a significant role in lifespan and stress resistance, are highly conserved across species, including humans.
The potential of B. subtilis var. natto as a probiotic for anti-ageing is promising, and it marks a new frontier in the ongoing quest for longevity. As a next step, the researchers plan to conduct additional studies to ascertain the effects and safety of this life-lengthening bacteria in mammals and humans, bringing us a step closer to understanding the intricate mechanisms of ageing and exploring new possibilities for strategies in life extension.