Sex-dependent effects of nutrition on telomere dynamics in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

Noguera, J. C., Metcalfe, N. B. , Boner, W. and Monaghan, P. (2015) Sex-dependent effects of nutrition on telomere dynamics in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Biology Letters, 11(2), p. 20140938. 20140938. (doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0938) (PMID:25716087)

Abstract

At a cellular level, oxidative stress is known to increase telomere attrition, and hence cellular senescence and risk of disease. It has been proposed that dietary micronutrients play an important role in telomere protection due to their antioxidant properties. We experimentally manipulated dietary micronutrients during early life in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We found no effects of micronutrient intake on telomere loss during chick growth. However, females given a diet high in micronutrients during sexual maturation showed reduced telomere loss; there was no such effect in males. These results suggest that micronutrients may influence rates of cellular senescence, but differences in micronutrient requirement and allocation strategies, probably linked to the development of sexual coloration, may underlie sex differences in response.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Monaghan, Professor Pat and Boner, Dr Winnie and Noguera, Dr Jose Carlos and Metcalfe, Professor Neil
• Authors: Noguera, J. C., Metcalfe, N. B., Boner, W., and Monaghan, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Biology Letters
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• ISSN: 1744-9561
• ISSN (Online): 1744-957X