Loss of Pol III repressor Maf1 in neurons promotes longevity by preventing the age-related decline in 5S rRNA and translation

Abstract

Attenuating protein synthesis promotes longevity in multiple species. However, numerous studies indicate that aging drives a decrease in protein synthetic capacity. These observations hint at potential, unexplored benefits of stimulating protein synthesis in old age. In this work, we focus on Maf1, a repressor of protein synthesis genes transcribed by RNA Polymerase (Pol) III, such as the 5S rRNA and tRNAs, and its role in aging. We show that the knockdown of Maf1 extends lifespan in Drosophila. Maf1 limits longevity specifically from adult neurons in both female and male fruit flies. In older females, adult neuron-specific knockdown of Maf1 improves neuromuscular function as well as the function of a distal organ, the gut. We find that the extension of female lifespan upon Maf1 knockdown requires Pol III initiation on the 5S rRNA. Indeed, reducing neuronal Maf1 activity rescues the age-related decline in 5S expression and protein synthesis in the brain of female flies. Hence, our findings show that stimulating neuronal protein synthesis can promote healthy aging.