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FMO rewires metabolism to promote longevity throughtryptophan and one carbon metabolism

Choi, H. S.; Bhat, A.; Howington, M. B.; Schaller, M. L.; Cox, R.; Huang, S.; Beydoun, S.; Miller, H. A.; Tuckowski, A. M.; Mecano, J.; Dean, E. S.; Jensen, L.; Beard, D. A.; Evans, C. R.; Leiser, S. F.

2021-06-18 molecular biology
10.1101/2021.06.18.449022 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Flavin containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are promiscuous enzymes known for metabolizing a wide range of exogenous compounds. In C. elegans, fmo-2 expression increases lifespan and healthspan downstream of multiple longevity-promoting pathways through an unknown mechanism. Here, we report that, contrary to its classification as a xenobiotic enzyme, fmo-2 expression leads to rewiring of endogenous metabolism principally through changes in one carbon metabolism (OCM). Using computer modeling, we identify decreased methylation as the major OCM flux modified by FMO-2 that is sufficient to recapitulate its longevity benefits. We further find that tryptophan is decreased in multiple mammalian FMO overexpression models and is a validated substrate for FMO enzymes. Our resulting model connects a single enzyme to two previously unconnected key metabolic pathways and provides a framework for the metabolic interconnectivity of longevity-promoting pathways such as dietary restriction. FMOs are well-conserved enzymes that are also induced by lifespan-extending interventions in mice, supporting a conserved and critical role in promoting health and longevity through metabolic remodeling.

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