Lsp2 links early-life diet to adult translation and lifespan in Drosophila.

Larval-stage protein restriction reduces Lsp2 expression, decreases ribosomal proteins, and extends adult lifespan in Drosophila.

• Why it matters: Understanding how early-life diet influences adult health and lifespan remains limited, despite evidence from multiple species suggesting long-term effects.
• What they did: The study used Drosophila to investigate the impact of early-life protein restriction, employing stable-isotope tracing, genetic silencing of Lsp2, and amino acid restriction to examine molecular and physiological changes.
• The result: Findings show that early-life protein restriction downregulates Lsp2, reduces ribosomal protein levels, and promotes longevity, revealing a molecular mechanism linking juvenile nutrition to adult lifespan.