Authors: Maes OC; An J; Sarojini H; Wang E
Abstract: Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in gene regulation in various cellular and developmental processes, including mechanisms of aging. Here, the mouse liver was used as a paradigm for the study of miRNAs implicated in the aging process in mammals. Expression profiling of 367 murine miRNAs (Sanger Version 8.2) was assessed in livers from 4 to 33 months old mice, and their predicted targets were compared with proteomic profiling data generated from the same animals. Gradual increases in the levels of miR-669c and miR-709 were observed from mid-age of 18-33 months, while miR-93 and miR-214 were significantly up-regulated only in extremely old liver. In contrast, we did not identify any miRNAs showing significant down-regulation with age. Interestingly, the up-regulated miRNAs' targets are associated with detoxification activity and regeneration capacity functions known to decline in old liver. In particular, three up-regulated miRNAs may contribute to the aging-related decline in oxidative defense by targeting various classes of glutathione S-transferases. Other proteins in decline in old liver and targeted by the up-regulated miRNAs are involved in mitochondrial functions or maintenance. Taken together, we identified the up-regulation of key miRNAs that may participate in the decline of regeneration and oxidative defense mechanisms in aging liver.
Keywords: Aging/*genetics/physiology; Animals; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/physiology; Liver/*physiology; Liver Function Tests; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; MicroRNAs/biosynthesis/genetics/*physiology; Up-Regulation/genetics|
Journal: Mechanisms of ageing and development Volume: 129 Issue: 9 Pages: 534-41 Date: June 20, 2008 PMID: 18561983 |
Maes OC, An J, Sarojini H, Wang E (2008) Murine microRNAs implicated in liver functions and aging process. Mechanisms of ageing and development 129: 534-41.
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