Indy Gene Reduction Linked to Healthier Gut Microbiota and Longer Lifespan in Fruit Flies

BUFFALO, NY — September 3, 2026 — A new #research paper was published in Volume 18 of Aging on August 12, 2026, titled “Indy reduction decreases aging-related dysbiosis in Drosophila.”

The study was led by first author Danielle N. A. Lesperance from the University of Connecticut. Corresponding authors Blanka Rogina and Nichole A. Broderick are affiliated with the University of Connecticut Health and Johns Hopkins University, respectively. Broderick is also affiliated with the University of Connecticut.

The Indy gene—short for “I’m not dead yet”—encodes a plasma membrane citrate transporter in Drosophila melanogaster. Previous research has shown that reducing Indy activity can extend lifespan and preserve metabolic and intestinal health in flies. Because aging is also associated with disruption of the gut microbiota, the researchers investigated whether changes in intestinal microbes contribute to the longevity effects associated with reduced Indy activity.

The researchers compared control flies with Indy heterozygous flies under conventional conditions and axenic conditions, in which microbes were absent. They also examined bacterial load and microbiota composition and performed RNA sequencing of the midgut to investigate molecular pathways connecting Indy, the microbiota, intestinal homeostasis, and aging.

Full press release - https://www.aging-us.com/news-room/indy-gene-reduction-linked-to-healthier-gut-microbiota-and-longer-lifespan-in-fruit-flies

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206408

Corresponding authors - Blanka Rogina - Rogina@uchc.edu, and Nichole A. Broderick - nbroder1@jhu.edu

Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0PfTj_Pg7U

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Keywords - aging, Indy, host-microbe interactions, lifespan, Drosophila melanogaster