PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Angelo, Giana
AU  - Van Gilst, Marc R.
TI  - Starvation Protects Germline Stem Cells and Extends Reproductive Longevity in <em>C. elegans</em>
AID  - 10.1126/science.1178343
DP  - 2009 Nov 13
TA  - Science
PG  - 954--958
VI  - 326
IP  - 5955
4099  - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/326/5955/954.short
4100  - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/326/5955/954.full
SO  - Science2009 Nov 13; 326
AB  - The study of starvation-resistant biological programs has elucidated numerous mechanisms influencing aging. Here we present the discovery and characterization of starvation-induced adult reproductive diapause (ARD) in Caenorhabditis elegans. ARD differs from the C. elegans dauer diapause in that it enables sexually mature adults to delay reproductive onset 15-fold and extend total adult life span at least threefold. The effectiveness of ARD requires apoptotic death of the entire germ line, except for a small population of protected germline stem cells (GSCs). When feeding is resumed, surviving GSCs regenerate a new germ line capable of offspring production near the level of nonstarved animals. The starvation-sensing nuclear receptor NHR-49 is required for ARD entry and recovery. Our findings establish mechanisms for preserving stem cell potency and reproductive potential during prolonged starvation.