Lysosomal signaling molecules regulate longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Lysosomes signal the nucleus to control aging Folick et al. propose a mechanism by which a lysosomal enzyme influences nuclear events that control longevity in the worm (see the Perspective by Shuo and Brunet). Increased expression of the lysosomal acid lipase LIPL-4 increased longevity, and this effect depended on the presence of the lysosomal lipid-binding protein LBP-8. LBP-8 acts as a chaperone that helps carry lipds to the nucleus. The authors identified the fatty acid oleoylethanolamide (OEA) as a potential signaling molecule whose transport to the nucleus could activate nuclear hormone receptors and transcription factors NHR-49 and NHR-80. The transcriptional targets of NHR-49 and NHR-80 in turn regulate longevity. Science , this issue p. 83