Multi-Model Longevity Assays Reveal Lifespan- and Healthspan-Promoting Effects of Bacillus subtilis WTC019

TL;DR

A new strain of Bacillus subtilis, WTC019, extends lifespan and improves health in multiple models, suggesting potential for healthy aging.

Contribution

Demonstrates the novel strain B. subtilis WTC019 promotes longevity and healthspan across invertebrate, cellular, and mammalian models.

Findings

B. subtilis WTC019 extended C. elegans lifespan by up to 35.36% and reduced age-related mobility decline.

In human fibroblasts, WTC019 reduced senescence markers by 34% and delayed cellular aging.

Mice supplemented with WTC019 showed a 5.97-6.05% increase in median lifespan.

Abstract

Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming probiotic with an established safety profile, yet its effects on aging-related phenotypes remain incompletely defined. Here, we assessed the lifespan- and healthspan-promoting activity of a novel strain, B. subtilis WTC019, using integrated invertebrate, cellular, and mammalian aging models. In Caenorhabditis elegans, B. subtilis WTC019 significantly extended lifespan, increasing median lifespan by 17.48%, 90% lifespan by 35.36%, and maximum lifespan by 19.07%, and attenuated age-associated locomotor decline. In human skin fibroblasts, B. subtilis WTC019 cell lysate reduced senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity by approximately 34% and altered cell cycle distribution consistent with delayed cellular senescence. Moreover, dietary supplementation with B. subtilis WTC019 significantly prolonged lifespan in C57BL/6J mice, with median lifespan increases of 5.97% in females and 6.05% in males. Together, these results demonstrate that B. subtilis WTC019 promotes lifespan- and healthspan-associated phenotypes across multiple aging models, supporting its potential as a probiotic candidate for healthy aging interventions.

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