Accepted_test
We have studied the contribution of piwi gene activity in various imago tissues to the regulation of lifespan and radioresistance of Drosophila melanogaster. Knockdown of the piwi gene in the nervous system and fat body causes an increase in the lifespan of Drosophila and increases the activity of genes associated with stress-response and longevity. In this case, suppression of piwi in the fat body stimulates the resistance to γ-radiation, and neuronal knockdown reduces it. Thereafter, we have identified potential inhibitors of PIWI proteins. Five of them (atenolol, metoprolol, imipenem, fingolimod and misoprostol) have shown geroprotective properties. The most pronounced and reproducible increase in lifespan cause by metoprolol and imipenem in females. The effect of potential PIWI inhibitors on radioresistance is ambiguous and depends on the drug concentration and radiation dose.