NatureOct 25, 2002

Random and genetic factors affect aging differently in various tissues of C. elegans

Updated Mar 30, 2026

Abstract

The age-1(hx546) mutation extends lifespan by 60-100% while delaying some cellular signs of ageing.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans shows remarkable preservation of the nervous system in old age.
In contrast, muscle tissue exhibits a gradual, progressive deterioration resembling human sarcopenia.
Significant variability in ageing is observed both among same-age nematodes and within individual cells of the same type.
Stochastic and genetic factors may play important roles in the ageing process of C. elegans.

Simplified

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model for studying the genetics of ageing, with over 50 life-extension mutations known so far. However, little is known about the pathobiology of ageing in this species, limiting attempts to connect genotype with senescent phenotype. Using ultrastructural analysis and visualization of specific cell types with green fluorescent protein, we examined cell integrity in different tissues as the animal ages. We report remarkable preservation of the nervous system, even in advanced old age, in contrast to a gradual, progressive deterioration of muscle, resembling human sarcopenia. The age-1(hx546) mutation, which extends lifespan by 60-100%, delayed some, but not all, cellular biomarkers of ageing. Strikingly, we found strong evidence that stochastic as well as genetic factors are significant in C. elegans ageing, with extensive variability both among same-age animals and between cells of the same type within individuals.

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