The genetics of aging is typically concerned with lifespan determination that is associated with alterations in expression levels or mutations of particular genes. Previous reports in C. elegans have shown that the
bmk-1 gene has important functions in chromosome segregation, and this has been confirmed with its mammalian homolog, KIF11. However, this gene has never been implicated in aging or lifespan regulation. Here we show that the
bmk-1 gene is an important lifespan regulator in worms. We show that reducing
bmk-1 expression using RNAi shortens worm lifespan by 32%, while over-expression of
bmk-1 extends worm lifespan by 25%, and enhances heat-shock stress resistance. Moreover,
bmk-1 over-expression increases the level of
hsp-16 and decreases
ced-3 in C. elegans. Genetic epistasis analysis reveals that
hsp-16 is essential for the lifespan extension by
bmk-1. These findings suggest that
bmk-1 may act through enhanced
hsp-16 function to protect cells from stress and inhibit the apoptosis pathway, thereby conferring worm longevity. Though it remains unclear whether this is a distinct function from chromosomal segregation,
bmk-1 is a potential new target for extension of lifespan and enhancement of healthspan.