Deletion of the developmentally essential gene ATR in adult mice leads to age-related phenotypes and stem cell loss.

Authors: Ruzankina Y; Pinzon-Guzman C; Asare A; Ong T; Pontano L; Cotsarelis G; Zediak VP; Velez M; Bhandoola A; Brown EJ

Abstract: Developmental abnormalities, cancer, and premature aging each have been linked to defects in the DNA damage response (DDR). Mutations in the ATR checkpoint regulator cause developmental defects in mice (pregastrulation lethality) and humans (Seckel syndrome). Here we show that eliminating ATR in adult mice leads to defects in tissue homeostasis and the rapid appearance of age-related phenotypes, such as hair graying, alopecia, kyphosis, osteoporosis, thymic involution, fibrosis, and other abnormalities. Histological and genetic analyses indicate that ATR deletion causes acute cellular loss in tissues in which continuous cell proliferation is required for maintenance. Importantly, thymic involution, alopecia, and hair graying in ATR knockout mice were associated with dramatic reductions in tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells and exhaustion of tissue renewal and homeostatic capacity. In aggregate, these studies suggest that reduced regenerative capacity in adults via deletion of a developmentally essential DDR gene is sufficient to cause the premature appearance of age-related phenotypes.

Keywords: Aging/*genetics; Animals; Cell Cycle Proteins/*genetics; *Genes, Essential; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Phenotype; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases/*genetics; Stem Cells/*cytology
Journal: Cell stem cell
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Pages: 113-26
Date: March 29, 2008
PMID: 18371340
Select reference article to upload


Citation:

Ruzankina Y, Pinzon-Guzman C, Asare A, Ong T, Pontano L, Cotsarelis G, Zediak VP, Velez M, Bhandoola A, Brown EJ (2007) Deletion of the developmentally essential gene ATR in adult mice leads to age-related phenotypes and stem cell loss. Cell stem cell 1: 113-26.


Lifespan Factors:
  • Atr Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related


  • Update (Admin) | Auto-Update

    Comment on This Data Unit