Inhibition of TrkB kinase activity impairs autophagy in cervical motor neurons of young but not old mice
2025

Inhibition of TrkB kinase activity impairs autophagy in young mice

Sample size: 48 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pareja‐Cajiao Miguel, Gransee Heather M., Jahanian Sepideh, Sieck Gary C., Mantilla Carlos B.

Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA

Hypothesis

Inhibition of TrkB kinase activity results in an increase in the relative expression of both LC3 and p62 in cervical motor neurons, consistent with impaired progression of autophagy.

Conclusion

Inhibition of TrkB signalling impairs progression of autophagy in motor neurons of young mice, similar to the response to ageing.

Supporting Evidence

  • Inhibition of TrkB kinase activity increased LC3 expression by 11% in young mice.
  • Inhibition of TrkB kinase activity increased p62 expression by 8% in young mice.
  • There was no effect of TrkB inhibition on autophagy markers in older mice.

Takeaway

When young mice had their TrkB activity blocked, it made it harder for their cells to clean up damaged parts, just like what happens as they get older.

Methodology

Young TrkBF616A mice were treated with a TrkB inhibitor and their motor neuron expression of autophagy markers LC3 and p62 was measured.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on young mice, and the effects in older mice were not significant.

Participant Demographics

Adult male and female TrkBF616A mice aged 6, 18, and 24 months.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001 for LC3, p=0.019 for p62

Confidence Interval

95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1113/EP092095

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