Lsp2 protein stores larval dietary memory and extends fruit fly lifespan

RIKEN researchers identified the protein Lsp2, which carries a record of larval protein intake into adulthood in fruit flies. Restricting protein early in life lowers Lsp2, slows protein production and extends lifespan, at the cost of lower weight and fertility.

• Cutting yeast in larval food from 8% to 1–2% extended adult fly lifespan
• Three days into adulthood, 64% of proteins in fly heads still came from larval amino acids
• Protein-restricted flies weighed up to 28% less and laid fewer eggs
• Restricting tyrosine or phenylalanine lowered Lsp2 and extended lifespan like a low-protein diet