Prohibitin couples diapause signalling to mitochondrial metabolism during ageing in C. elegans

Prohibitin and longevity: make a brake for it Prohibitins are ubiquitous, evolutionarily conserved proteins that form a ring-like structure at the inner membrane of mitochondria. What they do precisely, we don't know. Marta Artal-Sanz and Nektarios Tavernarakis now show that prohibitin increases lifespan of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans by modulating mitochondrial function and fat metabolism. But in diapause mutants, or worms on a restricted diet, the presence of prohibitin actually shortens life. The authors propose that prohibitin promotes longevity by acting as a brake on the worm's energy supply — moderating fat use and energy production. But, under adverse external conditions, such as limited nutrient availability, energy demands outstrip supply and life lasts longer without such brake.