Hemiterpene compound, 3,3-dimethylallyl alcohol promotes longevity and neuroprotection inCaenorhabditis elegans

Terpenes and their derivatives have been used conventionally as potential dietary supplements to boost the nutritional value of endless food products. Several plant-based complex terpenoid and their derivatives have been reported for a wide range of medicinal and nutritional properties. However, their simple counterparts, whose production is relatively easy, sustainable, and economic from food-grade microbial sources, have not been studied yet for any such biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the longevity-promoting property and neuromodulatory effects of 3,3-dimethylallyl alcohol (Prenol), one of the simplest forms of terpenoid and a constituent of fruit aroma, in the animal modelCaenorhabditis elegans. Prenol supplementation (0.25 mM) augmented the lifespan of wild-type nematodes by 22.8% over the non-treated worms. Moreover, a suspended amyloid-beta induced paralysis and reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation were observed in Prenol-treated worms. The lifespan extending properties of Prenol were correlated with ameliorated physiological parameters and increased stress (heat and oxidative) tolerance inC. elegans. In silico and gene-specific mutant studies showed that pro-longevity transcription factors DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 were involved in the improved lifespan and health-span of Prenol-treated worms. Transgenic green fluorescent protein-reporter gene expression analysis and relative mRNA quantification (using real-time PCR) demonstrated an increase in the expression of DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 transcription factors and their downstream target genes in Prenol-treated worms. Together, the findings suggest that small molecules, like Prenol, could be explored as a potential alternate to develop therapeutics against aging and age-related ailments.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that Prenol could significantly extend the lifespan of C. elegans and alleviate protein aggregation. By activating specific genes and transcription factors, Prenol improved stress tolerance and health-span of the worms. These findings suggest that small molecules like Prenol could be explored as potential therapeutics against aging and age-related conditions.