It was discovered that certain Lactobacillus bacteria can extend the lifespan of the tiny worm C. elegans by producing sugar-based molecules called exopolysaccharides. Worms that ate these bacteria lived longer and showed healthier aging, including better feeding activity and fewer signs of cellular damage. The study revealed that exopolysaccharides activate the worm’s detoxification and immune defenses, especially a key longevity gene called fmo-2. These findings suggest that microbial products like these might help develop new strategies to support healthy aging in humans.

The work is part of the thesis of Stefan Jakovljević, who is pursuing his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Miroslav Dinić, and it was carried out in collaboration with the group of Dr. Aleksandra Trifunović from the Institute for Mitochondrial Diseases and Ageing at the University of Cologne.

Bacterial exopolysaccharides mediate activation of flavin-containing monooxygenase 2 to extend lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction Group