Mitohormesis

ETH Zurich (ETH) - Energy Metabolism Laboratory / Friedrich Schiller University (FSU) - School of Biology and Pharmacy

Michael Ristow (Group Leader)

Long-standing expertise in establishing and characterising the role of mitochondrial metabolism as a cause of ageing and ageing-associated diseases by employing tissue-culture-models as well as genetically modified mice (M. musculus) and nematodes (C. elegans). Establishment of several links of mitochondrial metabolism and altered glucose metabolism, including diabetes mellitus, obesity and cancer. Establishment of a crucial role of mitochondrial energy conversion rates in the control of C. elegans lifespan and of a fundamentally new mechanism to explain the lifespan-extending propensities of caloric restriction, cumulating in the novel concept of mitohormesis according to which a transient increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation causes a secondary and lifespan-extending increase in ROS-defense capacities of the affected organism.

For more information look at the Mitohormesis Group page.

Selected Publications

• Weimer S, Priebs J, Kuhlow D, Groth M, Priebe S, Mansfeld J, Merry TL, Dubuis S, Laube B, Pfeiffer AF, Schulz TJ, Guthke R, Platzer M, Zamboni N, Zarse K, Ristow M:
  D-Glucosamine supplementation extends life span of nematodes and of ageing mice.
  Nat Commun. 2014; 5:3563.
• Schmeisser K, Mansfeld J, Kuhlow D, Weimer S, Priebe S, Heiland I, Birringer M, Groth M, Segref A, Kanfi Y, Price NL, Schmeisser S, Schuster S, Pfeiffer AF, Guthke R, Platzer M, Hoppe T, Cohen HY, Zarse K, Sinclair DA, Ristow M:
  Role of sirtuins in lifespan regulation is linked to methylation of nicotinamide.
  Nat Chem Biol. 2013; 9:693-700.
• Schmeisser S, Schmeisser K, Weimer S, Groth M, Priebe S, Fazius E, Kuhlow D, Pick D, Einax JW, Guthke R, Platzer M, Zarse K, Ristow M:
  Mitochondrial hormesis links low-dose arsenite exposure to lifespan extension.
  Aging Cell. 2013; 12:508-17.
• Zarse K, Schmeisser S, Groth M, Priebe S, Beuster G, Kuhlow D, Guthke R, Platzer M, Kahn CR, Ristow M:
  Impaired Insulin/IGF1 Signaling Extends Life Span by Promoting Mitochondrial L-Proline Catabolism to Induce a Transient ROS Signal.
  Cell Metab. 2012; 15:451-65.
• Ristow M, Zarse K, Oberbach A, Klöting N, Birringer M, Kiehntopf M, Stumvoll M, Kahn CR, Blüher M:
  Antioxidants prevent health-promoting effects of physical exercise in humans.
  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009; 106:8665-70.
• Schulz TJ, Zarse K, Voigt A, Urban N, Birringer M, Ristow M:
  Glucose restriction extends Caenorhabditis elegans life span by inducing mitochondrial respiration and increasing oxidative stress.
  Cell Metab. 2007; 6:280-93.