Urolithin A Induces Mitophagy and Prolongs Lifespan in C. Elegans and Increases Muscle Function in Rodents

Overview

Journal Nat Med

Specialties General Medicine
Molecular Biology

Date 2016 Jul 12

PMID 27400265

Citations 400

Authors

Dongryeol Ryu

Laurent Mouchiroud

Penelope A Andreux

Elena Katsyuba

Norman Moullan

Amandine A Nicolet-Dit-Felix

Evan G Williams

Pooja Jha

Giuseppe Lo Sasso

Damien Huzard

Patrick Aebischer

Carmen Sandi

Chris Rinsch

Johan Auwerx

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The biological effects of urolithins remain poorly characterized, despite wide-spread human exposure via the dietary consumption of their metabolic precursors, the ellagitannins, which are found in the pomegranate fruit, as well as in nuts and berries. We identified urolithin A (UA) as a first-in-class natural compound that induces mitophagy both in vitro and in vivo following oral consumption. In C. elegans, UA prevented the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria with age and extended lifespan. Likewise, UA prolonged normal activity during aging in C. elegans, including mobility and pharyngeal pumping, while maintaining mitochondrial respiratory capacity. These effects translated to rodents, where UA improved exercise capacity in two different mouse models of age-related decline of muscle function, as well as in young rats. Our findings highlight the health benefits of urolithin A and its potential application in strategies to improve mitochondrial and muscle function.

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