Prostaglandin signals from adult germ stem cells delay somatic aging of .

A moderate reduction of body temperature can induce a remarkable lifespan extension. Here we examine the link between cold temperature, germ line fitness and organismal longevity. We show that low temperature reduces age-associated exhaustion of germ stem cells (GSCs) in , a process modulated by thermosensory neurons. Notably, robust self-renewal of adult GSCs delays reproductive aging and is required for extended lifespan at cold temperatures. These cells release prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to induce expression in the intestine, increasing somatic production of hydrogen sulfide (HS), a gaseous signaling molecule that prolongs lifespan. Whereas loss of adult GSCs reduces intestinal expression and cold-induced longevity, application of exogenous PGE2 rescues these phenotypes. Importantly, tissue-specific intestinal overexpression of mimics cold-temperature conditions and extends longevity even at warm temperatures. Thus, our results indicate that GSCs communicate with somatic tissues to coordinate extended reproductive capacity with longevity.