Cold Adaptation

Study finds cold temperature triggers BH2-related metabolic pathway extending C. elegans lifespan

Researchers studying the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans report that lowering ambient temperature activates a metabolic network built around tetrahydrobiopterin (BH2/BH4) precursors that promotes longer lifespan and better protein quality control (proteostasis). The work used an extensive panel of mutant worm strains—including those lacking enzymes in dopamine, serotonin and pterin biosynthesis pathways—to trace how cold exposure engages this network. Experiments were conducted across three standard rearing temperatures, 15°C, 20°C and 25°C, in adult hermaphrodite worms.