AMPK Modulates Tissue and Organismal Aging in a Non-Cell-Autonomous Manner

Activating a gene called AMPK in the nervous system induces the anti-aging cellular recycling process of autophagy in both the brain and intestine. Activating AMPK in the intestine leads to increased autophagy in both the intestine and brain. This ‘inter-organ’ communication during aging can substantially prolong the healthy lifespan of fruit flies.