Figure 5. Aza-induced changes in the expression of insulin-related genes in C. elegans. A, expression levels of major insulin-like genes in the C. elegans N2 strain:
daf-28 and
ins-7 (agonist) versus
ins-1 and
ins-18 (antagonists). B, expression level of
daf-28 in N2,
daf-6(
e1377), and
tax-4(
ks11) strains. C, expression levels of the major stress response genes,
sod-3,
mtl-1, and
gst-7, well known DAF-16 target genes in C. elegans. Each value represents the average of three independent experiments. Error bars represent the S.D., and p values were determined using Student's t test (*, p 0.05; **, p 0.01; NS, not significant). D, expression levels of SKN-1 target genes,
gst-10 and
gcs-1, upon Aza treatment. Each value represents the average of three independent experiments. Error bars represent the S.D., and p values were determined using Student's t test (*, p 0.05). E, working model of Aza effects on aging in C. elegans. Sterols can be sensed by DAF-6 in amphid neurons; subsequent control of SKN-1 and DAF-28 by DAF-6 in amphid neurons regulates respiration and ROS response through changes in endocrine signaling.