C30F12.4 influences oogenesis, fat metabolism, and lifespan in C. elegans

Reproduction, fat metabolism, and longevity are inter- twined regulatory axes; recent studies in C. elegans have provided evidence that these processes are directly coupled. However, the mechanisms by which they are coupled and the reproductive signals modu- lating fat metabolism and lifaspan are poorly under- stood. Here, we find that an oogenesis-enriched gene, c30PI2.4, is specifically expressed and located in germ cells and early embryos; when the gene is knocked out, oogenesis is disrupted and brood size is decreased. In addition to the reproductive phenotype, we find that the loss of c30f12.4 alters fat metabolism, resulting in decreased fat storage and smaller lipid droplets. Mean- while, c30f12.4 mutant worms display a shortened lifaspan. Our results highlight an important role for c30f12.4 in regulating reproduction, fat homeostasis, and aging in C. elegans, which helps us to better understand the relationship between these processes.