Story perspectives
Enzyme Boost in Worms Extends Lifespan and Inheritance
10/7/2025
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Story summary
- Overexpressing the lysosomal enzyme LIPL-4 in C. elegans increased lifespan by 60%, with offspring longer-lived.
- Lysosome metabolism changes pass to offspring via histone modifications, without DNA changes.
- Histone variant H3.3 was elevated in long-lived worms, linking lysosome changes to epigenetics.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers note environmental stressors can influence inheritance and may apply to humans.
