Mitochondrial polarization and redox homeostasis couple glycolysis-to-OXPHOS metabolic rewiring to lifespan extension in C. elegans

Mitochondria are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis throughout life. Here, we investigated the differential effects of glucose and galactose, as well as glycolytic inhibition, on C. elegans lifespan in relation to mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Our results show that long-term treatment with glucose reduces both lifespan and mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas galactose increases them. The increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and lifespan is inversely correlated with mitochondrial ROS levels, suggesting a role for mitohormesis in lifespan extension.