The invention relates to the identification and use of the DAF-2/IR responsive sod-3 promoter. Transgenic C. elegans containing sod-3 reporter gene constructs are described which are useful for, among other things, the identification of genes or compounds capable of modulating the DAF-2/IR-akt pathway. Conditions are disclosed that increase or decrease the reporter activity, demonstrating the presence of either activators or inhibitors of the DAF-2/IR pathway.