Lysosomal Signaling Promotes Longevity by Adjusting Mitochondrial Activity

Lysosomes and mitochondria are both crucial cellular organelles for metabolic homeostasis and organism health. However, mechanisms linking their metabolic activities to promote organism longevity remain poorly understood. We discovered that the induction of specific lysosomal signaling mediated by a LIPL-4 lysosomal acid lipase and its lipid chaperone LBP-8 increases mitochondrial beta-oxidation to reduce lipid storage and promote longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. We further discovered that increased mitochondrial beta-oxidation reduces mitochondrial electron transport chain complex II activity, contributing to the induction of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria (mtROS) and the longevity effect conferred by LIPL-4-LBP-8 signaling. Moreover, by activating the JUN-1 transcription factor downstream of mtROS, the LIPL-4-LBP-8 signaling pathway induces antioxidant targets and oxidative stress tolerance. Together, these results reveal regulatory mechanisms by which lysosomal signaling triggers adjustments in mitochondrial activity and suggest the significance of these metabolic adjustments for improving metabolic fitness, redox homeostasis, and longevity.