Using local gene network approach to functionally link lifespan genes and nutrient metabolism modules in C. elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans (C elegans) is a model organism used for lifespan research worldwide. Though many genes were found related with lifespan determination in C elegans, it is still hard to describe the relationship among these genes, one of the reasons is that little has been known about some of these genes in the context of biological pathways. It is far from being clear what kind of network relationship between these genes determines the longevity. We employed WormNet website tools to get 69 genes that are closely related with lifespan determination, and use WormNet search function to construct a local gene network (LGN) based on 18 genes that can be linked with each other functionally. Then KEGG website tools were used to link these 18 genes with several metabolic modules. Interestingly, several amino acid metabolic pathways that are known to directly affect lifespan were also included in the molecular network comprising lifespan-specific LGN and associated metabolic modules, providing a primary technological platform to study the impact of diet on lifespan and to develop longevity-promoting nutritional regimen. The above LGN did include metabolic modules of several amino acids known capable of extending the lifespan. © 2011 IEEE.