Researchers led by Fumiaki Obata at RIKEN's Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research reduced yeast (protein) content in fruit fly larvae's diet from 8% to 1-2% during the mid-larval stage, then returned them to normal food as adults. The protein-restricted flies lived longer than well-fed siblings but were lighter, paler, and laid fewer eggs; adding amino acids back to the larval diet erased the longevity benefit, suggesting the body retains a 'nutritional memory' of early diet.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-29
Researchers studying dietary restriction in fruit flies report identifying a specific protein that appears to mediate the link between reduced food intake and extended lifespan. The finding, described in a new study, points to a molecular mechanism that may help explain how caloric restriction slows aging in this model organism.
nature.com
· 2026-09-23
Researchers studying Drosophila found that mutating the Lsp2 gene altered translation of TOP mRNAs, particularly those encoding ribosomal proteins, and changed ribosomal subunit ratios and lifespan compared to control flies. They further showed that removing the translational repressor 4E-BP (Thor) shifted how dietary protein levels affect lifespan, without changing mTORC1 activity or overall protein synthesis rates, indicating a specific rather than general translational effect.
nature.com
· 2026-09-23
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