Activating AMPK or inactivating calcineurin slows ageing in worms and increases their lifespan. Here it is shown that inhibition of CRTC-1 is required for these life-extending effects. CRTC-1 is the only worm member in the family of CREB-regulated transcriptional co-activators, or CRTCs, and, like the mammalian family members, CRTC-1 interacts with a worm homologue of the CREB transcription factor (CRH-1). Eliminating crtc-1 increases lifespan in a crh-1-dependent manner, as does elimination of crh-1 alone. Downregulation of components in the CRTC/CREB pathway has previously been shown to confer health benefits to mice, complementing their lifespan effects in worms.
- William Mair
- Ianessa Morantte
- Andrew Dillin
