# Fat Tissue Controls Lifespan Through Insulin Signaling in Fruit Flies

- **Evidence Level**: Preliminary
- **Journal**: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- **Sample Size**: Drosophila (fruit flies)
- **Published**: 2026-03-24
- **Topics**: longevity, insulin signaling, animal study
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41875160/

## Summary

In fruit flies, dialing down a gene called Dicer-1 in fat tissue extended lifespan. It worked even when flies were already on calorie restriction. The mechanism involves a chain reaction: lower Dicer-1 reduces a small RNA molecule in fat, which boosts a hormone that then tells the brain to release less insulin. Less insulin signaling is a well-known longevity pathway across species.

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_Canonical: https://usa-longevity.com/en/research/fat-tissue-controls-lifespan-through-insulin-signaling-in-fruit-flies · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-03-24_