Flavonoid induced gene expression in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and dissection of the molecular basis of effected life span extension

The main issue of this research topic was the investigation of low-dose effects from secondary metabolites in plants on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In particular we focus on hormetic effects. This means that compounds which are generally harmful in high concentration can have positive impacts on life processes applied in lower dosages. It is not yet clear which mechanisms underlie this phenomenon. The most discussed hypothesis is that a low dose of actually harmful agents activates the protection and repair mechanisms in the cell and due to it the detoxification. In case of a following exposure to high concentrations they are immediately available and help to prevent a bigger disadvantage.

The Xenohormesis hypothesis mentions that changes in the lifespan of an organism can occur due to stress-inducible molecules from an other organism (for example secondary metabolites in plants). These molecules can serve as a molecular warning to other species. The organism who receives this signal can prepare and activate his stress defence system and prevent a possible danger in this way. A matter of particular interest is the impact of hormetic changes on the population level and its degree of ecological relevance. This question is not answered yet and therefore it has to be systematically analysed.