Autophagy, an evolutionaily conserved cytoplasmic degradation system, has been implicated as a convergent mechanism in various longevity pathways. Autophagic activity decreases with age in several organisms . Research has shown that the expression of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy, increases in earth worm , fly and mouse tissues at transcript and/or protein levels, suggesting that an age - dependent increase Rubicon impairs over time, and therby curtails animal health-span.. Consistent with this idea, knockdown of Rubicon extends worm and fly lifespan and ameliorates several age - associated phenotype. For more information consult nature.com