Extrachromosomal rDNA Circles— A Cause of Aging in Yeast

Although many cellular and organismal changes have been described in aging individuals, a precise, molecular cause of aging has yet to be found. A prior study of aging yeast mother cells showed a progressive enlargement and fragmentation of the nucleolus. Here we show that these nucleolar changes ar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell 1997-12, Vol.91 (7), p.1033-1042
Main Authors: Sinclair, David A, Guarente, Leonard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - genetics
Cell Nucleolus - chemistry
Cellular Senescence
DNA Helicases - genetics
DNA Helicases - physiology
DNA, Circular - genetics
DNA, Circular - physiology
DNA, Fungal - genetics
DNA, Fungal - physiology
DNA, Ribosomal - genetics
DNA, Ribosomal - physiology
RecQ Helicases
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
Time Factors
Yeasts - genetics
Yeasts - physiology
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Summary:Although many cellular and organismal changes have been described in aging individuals, a precise, molecular cause of aging has yet to be found. A prior study of aging yeast mother cells showed a progressive enlargement and fragmentation of the nucleolus. Here we show that these nucleolar changes are likely due to the accumulation of extrachromosomal rDNA circles (ERCs) in old cells and that, in fact, ERCs cause aging. Mutants for sgs1, the yeast homolog of the Werner's syndrome gene, accumulate ERCs more rapidly, leading to premature aging and a shorter life span. We speculate on the generality of this molecular cause of aging in higher species, including mammals.
ISSN:0092-8674
1097-4172
DOI:10.1016/S0092-8674(00)80493-6