A genetic model of methionine restriction extends Drosophila health- and lifespan

Significance Methionine metabolism is dramatically affected by age and restricting methionine consumption extends the lifespan across different species. However, we have limited information on the activity of different branches of methionine metabolism during aging. Furthermore, how tissue-specific perturbation of methionine metabolism affects aging is not known. Here, by feeding 13 C5-methionine to Drosophila and tracing its fate in different branches of the methionine metabolism, we were able to identify impairments of methionine flux associated with aging. In addition, to deplete methionine in a tissue-specific manner, we created transgenic flies that express Methioninase . Strikingly, Methioninase expression even in a single tissue can dramatically extend the health- and lifespan.