Transgenic mice with a reduced core body temperature have an increased life span

Bruno Conti, Manuel Sanchez-Alavez, Raphaelle Winsky-Sommerer, Maria Concetta Morale, Jacinta Lucero, Sara Brownell, Veronique Fabre, Salvador Huitron-Resendiz, Steven Henriksen, Eric P. Zorrilla, Luis De Lecea, Tamas Bartfai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

310 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reduction of core body temperature has been proposed to contribute to the increased life span and the antiaging effects conferred by calorie restriction (CR). Validation of this hypothesis has been difficult in homeotherms, primarily due to a lack of experimental models. We report that transgenic mice engineered to overexpress the uncoupling protein 2 in hypocretin neurons (Hcrt-UCP2) have elevated hypothalamic temperature. The effects of local temperature elevation on the central thermostat resulted in a 0.3° to 0.5°C reduction of the core body temperature. Fed ad libitum, Hcrt-UCP2 transgenic mice had the same caloric intake as their wild-type littermates but had increased energy efficiency and a greater median life span (12% increase in males; 20% increase in females). Thus, modest, sustained reduction of core body temperature prolonged life span independent of altered diet or CR.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)825-828
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume314
Issue number5800
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 3 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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