[
2017]
Caenorhabditis elegans is a 1-mm-long free-living nematode that feeds on bacteria. The feeding organ of C. elegans is a pharynx, a neuromuscular tube responsible for sucking bacteria into the worm from outside, concentrating them, and grinding them up (Doncaster 1962, Seymour et al. 1983). The basic mechanics and the neurons and muscles used to execute feeding motion are important for understanding several feeding behaviors and are therefore briefly described. More details regarding cellular and nuclear composition, the structure, electrophysiology, and the molecular components can be found in Avery and You (2012).
[
Aging Cell,
2008]
This annual review focuses on invertebrate model organisms, which shed light on new mechanisms in aging and provide excellent systems for in-depth analysis. This year, the first quantitative estimate of evolutionary conservation of genetic effects on lifespan has pointed to the key importance of genes involved in protein synthesis, a finding confirmed and extended by experimental work. Work in C. elegans and Drosophila has highlighted the importance of phase 2 detoxification in extension of lifespan by reduced insulin/Igf-like signalling. Thorough characterisation of systems for dietary restriction in C. elegans is starting to show differences in the mechanisms by which these interventions extend lifespan and has revealed a requirement for autophagy. The response to heat shock in C. elegans turns out to be systemic, and mediated by sensory neurons, with potentially interesting implications for the response of lifespan to temperature. Work in E. coli and yeast has revealed a role for retention of aggregated proteins in the parent in the rejuvenation of offspring while, as in C. elegans, removal of the germ line in Drosophila turns out to extend lifespan. Aging research has suffered the loss of a great scientific leader, Seymour Benzer, and his trail-blazing work on aging and neurodegeneration is highlighted.