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Fig. 1 | Genes & Nutrition

Fig. 1

From: Sideways glance: does dietary restriction promote longevity, though impairing fecundity? Not necessarily, if the diet has a correct nutrient balance

Fig. 1

Dietary restriction (DR) is associated with a decreased activity of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway which down regulates the level of protein synthesis, leading to a reduced fertility. DR induces an increase in the ribosomal loading of genes encoding for proteins participating to the electron transfer chain (ETC.) having shorter 5′UTRs, with lower GC content and lesser secondary structure than the average cell proteins. The increased expression of Complex I and Complex IV proteins results in an enhanced ETC functions and increased lifespan. Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation, and in particular by methionine, in the presence of DR is associated with an of IIS–insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) expression which counters the down-regulation of TOR activity and the negative effects on fertility while lifespan extension is maintained

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