HMN 2024: Soil-bacteria-derived molecules found to modulate health and lifespan in C. elegans study

The abundant and varied microbial communities within the human gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in influencing both overall health and aging. The utilization of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotic supplementation has gained traction in disease therapy in humans and prolonged lifespan in mice.

Given the challenges regarding probiotic viability, localization, and potential drawbacks, microbial-derived molecules have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives addressing these limitations.

Dr. Tian Ye’s group from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, identified eight genera of bacterial isolates from Arabidopsis root bacterial isolates that could extend lifespan in C. elegans, and found that Mycobacterium sp. Root265 displayed the most pronounced extension effect.

The study, titled “The soil Mycobacterium sp. Promotes Health and Longevity through Different Bacteria-derived Molecules in Caenorhabditis elegans” was published online in Aging Cell on November 19, 2024.

The study further identified three distinct lifespan-promoting molecules from Root265, water-soluble polysaccharides (PSs), water-insoluble arabinogalactan peptidoglycan (AGP), and organic polar lipids.

Tian and his colleagues undertook an extensive investigation of bacterial isolates from natural bacteria reservoirs, specifically a collection of plant root-derived bacteria. They successfully identified eight genera of bacterial isolates through screening that robustly extend the lifespan of C. elegans.

Of particular interest, Mycobacterium sp. Root265, a non-pathogenic soil bacterium, emerged as a standout candidate for its capacity to promote longevity and ameliorate age-related physiological deteriorations in C. elegans.

Subsequent biochemical purification efforts led to the isolation of two key functional molecules within Root265—polysaccharides (PSs) and arabinogalactan peptidoglycan (AGP). These molecules were found to exert their effects through distinct mechanisms, with AGP notably demonstrating a specific capacity to enhance protein homeostasis.

Furthermore, another component, polar lipids originating from Root265, was shown to extend lifespan while mitigating age-related neuronal aging markers.

This study provides valuable insight into the potential bacteria and the bioproducts they yield, suggesting bacterial derivatives represent a promising alternative to direct microbial interventions for therapeutic strategies aimed at delaying the aging process.