The Effect of the <i>aPKC</i> Gene Encoding Atypical Protein Kinase C on the Lifespan of <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> Depends on the Expression Level of Protein Kinase GSK3

Abstract

Drosophila melanogaster shaggy and aPKC genes encode highly conserved GSK3 (Glycogen Syntase Kinase 3) and aPKC (Protein Kinase C) proteinkinases that play key roles in many cellular processes. We previously demonstrated that changes in shaggy expression in neurons affect lifespan. In this article we show that changing the expression of the aPKC gene in neurons also affects lifespan. Changing the expression of the two protein kinases in all male or female neurons and in male motoneurons led to changes in lifespan, indicating that aPKC has no effect on GSK3 and GSK3 has a possible inhibitory effect on aPKC. At the same time, changes in the expression of two protein kinases in female motoneurons led to changes in lifespan, indicating the existence of a still unclear mechanism of interaction between these proteins. The elucidation of the mechanisms of interaction between aPKC, GSK3 and their other partners will deepen and expand our understanding of the causes of longevity and the ways to extend life.