Tequila Regulates Insulin-Like Signaling and Extends Life Span in Drosophila melanogaster

Oxford Journals ^ | 8/11/15 | Cheng-Wen Huang et al

[Rebelbase]

Abstract

The aging process is a universal phenomenon shared by all living organisms. The identification of longevity genes is important in that the study of these genes is likely to yield significant insights into human senescence.

In this study, we have identified Tequila as a novel candidate gene involved in the regulation of longevity in Drosophila melanogaster.

We have found that a hypomorphic mutation of Tequila (Teq f01792), as well as cell-specific downregulation of Tequila in insulin-producing neurons of the fly, significantly extends life span. Tequila deficiency–induced life-span extension is likely to be associated with reduced insulin-like signaling, because Tequila mutant flies display several common phenotypes of insulin dysregulation, including reduced circulating Drosophila insulin-like peptide 2 (Dilp2), reduced Akt phosphorylation, reduced body size, and altered glucose homeostasis. These observations suggest that Tequila may confer life-span extension by acting as a modulator of Drosophila insulin-like signaling.

[Rebelbase]

Looks like Tkilla might not?

[Insigne123]

Ma, I’m healthy!

[spodefly]

I am 56, yet I am often confused for someone in their late 20’s/early 30’s.

Thanks, Tequila!

[Awgie]

I really dont need any scientific encouragement to expand my bad habits beyond beer and red wine. But I love that Saturday afternoon Margarita on St Pete Beach.

[Neidermeyer]

I'll drink to that!

[doorgunner69]

Keep telling my wife there is good reason for my immaturity..............

[hinckley buzzard]

making the world safer for fruit flies. yay.

[deweyfrank]

Tequila also makes her clothes fall off.

[Ken H]

Who the hell is Drosophila Melanogaster and how do they know her life span was extended by tequila?

[NFHale]

RE Drosophila melanogaster:

Huh!!! And here, all this time, I thought a Drosophila Melanogaster was a cheap Turkish knock-off of the Fender Stratocaster...

[Quickgun]

I am 65, sometimes confuse myself with someone in their 20’s..Thanks, tequila.....

[punditwannabe]

Really? How often and how much and how drink it? Mixers? Plain?

[punditwannabe]

Also, just doesn’t look quite as “classy” carrying bottle of tequila to a dinner party or picnic or having “tequila with dinner”. Alas.

[crosdaddy]

Sugar in mixers

[BipolarBob]

it also makes you wake up in handcuffs (sometimes).

[Verginius Rufus]

I did a bunch of experiments on Drosophila melanogaster for high school biology. It never occurred to me to use tequila in the experiments. Probably I would have had the request denied if I had asked for some.

The old line is "candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker." For fruit flies I guess it would be "Agar agar is dandy but tequila is quicker." But they seemed to be reproducing pretty quickly even without booze.

[norwaypinesavage]

Melano - gaster - Yellow bellied. A yellow bellied fruit fly? I thought this was a discussion about Obama and his speech tonight.

[fso301]

[Verginius Rufus]

"Melanogaster" means "black-bellied."

Greek melas/melaina/melan = "black" or "dark."

[RandallFlagg]

Who the hell is Drosophila Melanogaster and how do they know her life span was extended by tequila?

Because she's not dead yet.
She's just restin'.