Development of aging research in Caenorhabditis elegans: From molecular insights to therapeutic application for healthy aging

Aging is a process of time-dependent degeneration of biological functions, becoming more susceptible to diseases and eventually leading to death. Along with medical advances to extend lifespan, many researchers have made efforts to understand the complexities of aging further. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been a part of this journey due to its short lifespan, genetic tractability, and conservation of aging-associated genes, which significantly contribute to the progress of aging studies. Here, we summarized current knowledge on aging studies, major genes, and genetic pathways involved in the aging of C. elegans. Furthermore, the current research expands its focus from lifespan to healthspan, encompassing various nutrition and environmental factors. Despite the challenges in translating findings from C. elegans to humans, efforts continue to increase our understanding of healthy aging to improve not only lifespan but also quality of life.