Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), an active compound in Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng), has shown potential to ameliorate age-related cell damage and extend lifespan in multiple model organisms. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of its anti-aging effects remain unclear. In this study, we explore the anti-aging mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1, focusing on its impact on mitophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using propidium iodide staining, we found that Rg1 extends the chronological lifespan (CLS) of yeast cells. Further analyses revealed that Rg1 enhances mitochondrial function and antioxidant capacity in yeast cells by inducing mitophagy. Moreover, RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses identified the molecular chaperone SSE1 as a key target of Rg1. SSE1 knockout strain demonstrated that Rg1 enhances mitochondrial function and antioxidant capacity through SSE1-dependent mitophagy, thereby extending cell lifespan. Collectively, we concluded that Rg1 exerts its anti-aging effects through SSE1-mediated mitophagy. This study advances our understanding of Rg1-mediated mitophagy and mitochondrial regulation via SSE1, offering a foundation for the rational design of targeted anti-aging treatments.
Longevity & Aging