A novel peptide derived from Haematococcus pluvialis residue exhibits anti-aging activity in Caenorhabditis elegans via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway.

To explore the value of Haematococcus pluvialis ( H. pluvialis ) residue remaining after astaxanthin extraction and being discarded uneconomically, in our previous study, we discovered a novel peptide (HPp) as a potential bioactive component. However, the possible anti-aging activity in vivo was not illuminated. In this study, the capacity of extending the lifespan and the mechanism based on Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) were determined. The results showed that 100 μM HPp not only enhanced the lifespan of C. elegans in normal environments by 20.96% but also strengthened the lifespan in oxidative and thermal conditions effectively. Moreover, HPp succeeded in lessening the decline in physiological functions of aging worms. In terms of antioxidant efficacy, SOD and CAT enzyme activity were promoted, but the level of MDA was diminished significantly after HPp treatment. Subsequent analysis directly reflected the relationship between higher stress resistance and up-regulation of skn-1 and hsp-16.2 , and between greater antioxidant ability and up-regulation of sod-3 and ctl-2 . Further studies illustrated that HPp up-graded the mRNA transcription of the genes associated with the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway and some co-factors, including daf-16 , daf-2 , ins-18 , and sir-2.1 . Particularly, the activation of the IIS pathway required the regulation of subcellular localization of DAF-16/FOXO. Taken together, HPp could promote longevity with improved stress resistance and antioxidant properties in vivo through the IIS pathway. These data suggested that HPp might serve as a good source of anti-aging actives, and in particular, laid a foundation for the high value-added application of marine microalgae.