Splicing factor 1 modulates dietary restriction and TORC1 pathway longevity in C. elegans

The collapse of protein homeostasis and increasing error rates in transcription are key risk factors for various chronic diseases, and are associated with ageing. William Mair and colleagues demonstrate that pre-mRNA splicing homeostasis is a biomarker and predictor of life expectancy in Caenorhabditis elegans, and that defects in global pre-mRNA splicing associated with age are reduced by dietary restriction via splicing factor 1 (SFA-1). SFA-1 is specifically required for lifespan extension both by dietary restriction, and modulation of TORC1 pathway components. Overexpression of SFA-1 is sufficient to extend lifespan. This work suggests that modulation of specific spliceosome components can promote healthy ageing.