Food touch limits lifespan through bioamine and neuroendocrine signaling

In multicellular organisms, sensory perception affects many aspects of behavior and physiology. Sensory cues are frequently perceived by the nervous system, which in turn coordinates systemic changes that can modulate health. Here we find that the sense of touch interacts with nutritional state to modulate lifespan in C. elegans . Worms subjected to dietary restriction are shorter-lived when they perceive tactile stimuli that mimic bacterial food and protective soil. Touch modulation of dietary restriction requires primary mechanoreceptors, the neurotransmitters dopamine and tyramine/adrenaline, and the neuropeptides insulin and GnRH. Ultimately, the touch circuit regulates the longevity effectors DAF-2/IGF1R and FMO-2/FMO5. These results establish a physiological touch circuit and connect neural reward pathways to the growth and reproductive axes. Finding that gentle touch can modulate longevity suggests a role for physical comfort in healthspan and lifespan.