Reprogramming Cell Survival and Longevity: The Role of Tor, Sch9, Ras, and Sir2

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has emerged as the simplest of the major model systems to study cell survival and aging. Among the key proteins that regulate aging in this unicellular eukaryote are Tor/Sch9, Ras, and Sir2. Remarkably, similar genes and pathways are implicated in the regulation of longevity in worms, flies, and mice, suggesting that the "test-tube" approach can provide fundamental clues to understand how mammalian cells survive and die during normal aging. The role of Tor/Sch9, Ras, and Sir2 in reprogramming survival and chronological life span in S. cerevisiae and their potentially conserved role in higher eukaryotes are reviewed.