Abstract
The ‘rate of living’ theory predicts that longevity should be inversely correlated with the rate of mitochondrial respiration. However, recent studies in a number of model organisms, including mice, have reported that interventions that retard the aging process are, in fact, associated with an increase in mitochondrial activity. To better understand the relationship between energy metabolism and longevity, we supplemented the endogenous respiratory chain machinery of the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
with the alternative single-subunit NADH–ubiquinone oxidoreductase (
Ndi1
) of the baker's yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Here, we report that expression of
Ndi1
in fly mitochondria leads to an increase in NADH–ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity, oxygen consumption and ATP levels. In addition, exogenous
Ndi1
expression results in increased CO
2
production in living flies. Using an inducible gene expression system, we expressed
Ndi1
in different cells and tissues and examined the impact on longevity. In doing so, we discovered that targeted expression of
Ndi1
in fly neurons significantly increases lifespan without compromising fertility or physical activity. These findings are consistent with the idea that enhanced respiratory chain activity in neuronal tissue can prolong fly lifespan.