Aging is a complex biological process governed by conserved genetic and metabolic pathways. Increasing evidence has identified the gut microbiota as a critical modulator of host aging and healthspan. The Caenorhabditis elegans model provides a powerful system to elucidate the molecular determinants of this cross-kingdom dialogue. Recent advances in this model organism reveal that gut microbes may regulate aging through two distinct yet convergent mechanisms: (i) the production of small-molecule metabolites that modulate conserved host longevity pathways, and (ii) the presentation of structural components that trigger hormetic defense responses via immune recognition. This review synthesizes these findings, offering a framework for understanding microbial contributions to aging and highlighting potential directions for future research aimed at extending healthspan in higher organisms.
Aging regulation by gut microbiota: molecular insights from Caenorhabditis elegans.
TL;DR
Aging is a complex biological process governed by conserved genetic and metabolic pathways. Increasing evidence has identified the gut microbiota as a critical modulator of host aging and healthspan. The Caenorhabditis elegans model provides a powerful system to elucidate the molecular determinants of this cross-kingdom dialogue. Recent advances in this model organism reveal that gut microbes may regulate aging through two distinct yet convergent mechanisms: (i) the production of small-molecule
Credibility Assessment
Preliminary — 44/100
Study Design
Rigor of the research methodology
5/20
Sample Size
Whether the study was sufficiently powered
7/20
Peer Review
Review status and journal reputation
16/20
Replication
Has this finding been independently reproduced?
6/20
Transparency
Funding disclosure and data availability
10/20
Overall
Sum of all five dimensions
44/100
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