A structure inside our cells, called the nucleolus, is well known as the site of ribosome biogenesis. Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, a process known as translation. The nucleolus functions in many cellular processes and has a prominent role in the stress response, development, and aging. Perturbations in nucleolar function have been associated with cancer and progeria, a rare genetic premature aging disorder. The highly dynamic organelle can assess cellular performance and balance the production of protein synthesis. The relationship between nucleolar function and size with aging is an intriguing area of research.
A recent review highlighted nucleolar function in development and lifespan regulation. The nucleolus can respond to growth signals and nutrients. When the metabolic pathway is reduced, the nucleoli shrink, make fewer ribosomes, and cells were observed to live longer. The research suggests that modest dietary restriction and exercise could shrink the nucleoli in muscle cells of patients over 60. Conversely, cancer patients and patients with accelerated aging diseases, tend to have larger nucleoli. Life span could be determined by how well the nucleolus balances the need to grow with the need to repair. Therefore, the size of the nucleoli could be used as a cellular hallmark for aging. Further studies are needed to see if the nucleoli size changes are actually the cause of aging. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in longevity and aging diseases could lead to treatment and extended life spans.
Enzo Life Sciences’ NUCLEOLAR-ID® Green Detection Kit contains a proprietary dye suitable for live-cell staining of nucleoli. The dye allows examination of nucleolar dynamic changes in intracellular distribution, trafficking and localization arising from biological processes such as the cell cycle and ribosome biogenesis. The kit is compatible with most fluorescence detection systems, including conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopes, as well as High Content Screening (HCS) platforms. Additionally, our TOTAL-NUCLEAR-ID® Green/Red Nucleolar/Nuclear Detection Kit contains two proprietary dyes suitable for simultaneous live-cell staining of nucleoli and nuclei.