The hidden costs of dietary restriction: implications for its evolutionary and mechanistic origins
Cite this dataset
McCracken, Andrew W et al. (2020). The hidden costs of dietary restriction: implications for its evolutionary and mechanistic origins [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.3xsj3txcn
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) extends life span across taxa. Despite considerable research, universal mechanisms of DR have not been identified, limiting its translational potential. Guided by the conviction that DR evolved as an adaptive, pro-longevity physiological response to food scarcity, biomedical science has interpreted DR as an activator of pro-longevity molecular pathways. Current evolutionary theory predicts that organisms invest in their soma during DR, and thus when resource availability improves, should outcompete rich-fed controls in survival and/or reproduction. Testing this prediction in Drosophila melanogaster (N > 66,000 across 11 genotypes), our experiments revealed substantial, unexpected mortality costs when flies returned to a rich diet following DR. The physiological effects of DR should therefore not be interpreted as intrinsically pro-longevity, acting via somatic maintenance. We suggest DR could alternatively be considered an escape from costs incurred under nutrient-rich conditions, in addition to costs associated with DR.
Methods
Csvs have been broken down by experimental date and analysis, for ease of use.
Funding
American Federation, Award: GR5290420
National Institute on Aging, Award: R37 AG024360
National Institute on Aging, Award: T32 AG 41688
Natural Environment Research Council, Award: M005941
Natural Environment Research Council, Award: N013832
American Federation, Award: GR5290420