Telomerase and extraordinary longevity of termite kings and queens
Location
Gallaudet University - Multipurpose Room
Start Date
4-3-2024 4:00 PM
End Date
4-3-2024 4:30 PM
Description
This presentation is to summarize our research on the mechanisms underlying the admirable life expectancies of termite kings and queens, more specifically on the potential role of telomerase. This ribonucleoprotein is well established for its pro-longevity function in vertebrates thanks to the ability to extend chromosome ends, the telomeres. However, its role in lifespan regulation of eusocial insects (termites), remains understudied. I will report on conspicuous increase of telomerase abundance and catalytic activity in the somatic organs of termite reproductives, including postmitotic tissues such as the ventral nerve cord. Our observations stand in contrast to telomerase downregulation characteristic for most adult somatic organs in vertebrates, solitary insects and short-lived termite castes. Our results show that termite telomeres are long and do not display caste-specific length differences that might explain differential longevity of long- and short-lived phenotypes. I will conclude that although the telomerase activation in termite reproductives is in line with the broadly assumed association between telomerase and longevity, its direct phenotypic impact is unlikely to be due to its canonical function in telomere extension. Instead, non-canonical pro-longevity functions of telomerase, should be considered when explaining the contribution of telomerase to the great longevity of social insect reproductives.
Recommended Citation
Pangrácová, Marie, "Telomerase and extraordinary longevity of termite kings and queens" (2024). Global Year of STEM Sign Language Summit. 22.
https://ida.gallaudet.edu/global_STEM_signlanguage/STEM_signlanguagesummit/day_3/22
Telomerase and extraordinary longevity of termite kings and queens
Gallaudet University - Multipurpose Room
This presentation is to summarize our research on the mechanisms underlying the admirable life expectancies of termite kings and queens, more specifically on the potential role of telomerase. This ribonucleoprotein is well established for its pro-longevity function in vertebrates thanks to the ability to extend chromosome ends, the telomeres. However, its role in lifespan regulation of eusocial insects (termites), remains understudied. I will report on conspicuous increase of telomerase abundance and catalytic activity in the somatic organs of termite reproductives, including postmitotic tissues such as the ventral nerve cord. Our observations stand in contrast to telomerase downregulation characteristic for most adult somatic organs in vertebrates, solitary insects and short-lived termite castes. Our results show that termite telomeres are long and do not display caste-specific length differences that might explain differential longevity of long- and short-lived phenotypes. I will conclude that although the telomerase activation in termite reproductives is in line with the broadly assumed association between telomerase and longevity, its direct phenotypic impact is unlikely to be due to its canonical function in telomere extension. Instead, non-canonical pro-longevity functions of telomerase, should be considered when explaining the contribution of telomerase to the great longevity of social insect reproductives.
