Daf-16
[4] DAF-16 is notable for being the primary transcription factor required for the profound lifespan extension observed upon mutation of the insulin-like receptor DAF-2.
[5] The gene has played a large role in research into longevity and the insulin signalling pathway as it is located in C. elegans, a successful ageing model organism.
[6] DAF-16 is a gene conserved across species, with homologs being found in C. elegans, humans, mice, and Drosophila (fruit flies).
[13] FOXO is involved in the Insulin / IGF1 signalling pathway (IIS) which affects longevity, lipogenesis, dauer formation, heat shock and oxidative stress responses, by activating proteins such as MnSOD and Catalase.
[15] FOXO has been shown to have a protective role against cancer, as it regulates and suppresses genes involved in tumour formation.
[22] When not phosphorylated, DAF-16 is active and present in the nucleus,[23] so FOXO can be transcribed and can up-regulate production of about 100 beneficial proteins that increase longevity.
[41] DAF-16 is known to interact with: In 1963 Sydney Brenner realised the success of biology was due to model organisms, and C. elegans has been widely used in research laboratories since.
[50] This showed that DAF-2 and DAF-23 prevent dauer arrest by antagonising DAF-16 and DAF-18 [51] Notable scientists involved in the initial and continued characterization of DAF-16-associated aging pathways:
