The Effects of Dosage Compensation on Aging

Abstract

This comprehensive investigation explores the intricate relationship between the X chromosome, aging, and dosage compensation in hermaphrodite C. elegans. The study sheds light on the dynamic changes in X chromosome structure and condensation as hermaphrodites age, providing insights into the role of the dosage compensation complex (DCC) and its accessory protein, DPY-21, in maintaining X chromosome integrity. Notably, mutations in DPY-21 and CEC-4, involved in dosage compensation, result in embryonic lethality and significant changes in X chromosome condensation. A longevity assay highlights the role of DPY-21 in regulating lifespan, with the double mutant (cec-4, dpy-21) exhibiting intriguing variations. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of dauer arrest on X chromosome condensation and localization, revealing distinctive changes on x chromosome condensation as a result of going through the dauer stage. These findings underscore the multifaceted interplay between dosage compensation, aging, and X chromosome dynamics, laying the groundwork for further research to address technical limitations and gain deeper insights into these complex mechanisms.