With the threat of an obesity crisis looming, a study led by UCL researchers reveals today that fat tissue isn’t always the enemy. Reporting in the journal Science they show that a molecular signalling pathway in fat tissue is an important mediator in extending lifespan.The study, conducted on one of scientists’ favourite model organisms - the fruit fly - found that reducing activity of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IIS) signalling pathway in fat tissue of adults extended life by up to 50 per cent.Previously it has been shown that reducing the activity of the IIS pathway extends lifespan in fruit flies, mice and the worm C. elegans. But the cellular processes that determine longevity were not understood.Results suggest the system that governs longevity evolved in a precursor of all three species and is likely to be conserved in humans.
