Gene expression profiling of aging reveals activation of a p53-mediated transcriptional program
2007

Gene Expression Changes in Aging Mice

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Michael G Edwards, Rozalyn M Anderson, Ming Yuan, Christina M Kendziorski, Richard Weindruch, Tomas A Prolla

Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

Hypothesis

Increased p53 activity is associated with aging in mouse skeletal muscle.

Conclusion

The study supports a role for a p53-mediated transcriptional program in mammalian aging and suggests that mechanisms other than oxidative stress are involved.

Supporting Evidence

  • 712 transcripts were found to be differentially expressed between young and old mice.
  • Caloric restriction reversed 87% of the age-related changes in gene expression.
  • Increased expression of p53-related genes was observed in older muscle tissue.

Takeaway

As mice get older, certain genes become more active, which may lead to aging effects like muscle loss. Eating less can help reduce these changes.

Methodology

High density oligonucleotide arrays and RT-PCR were used to analyze gene expression in young and old mice.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on skeletal muscle and may not generalize to other tissues.

Participant Demographics

C57BL/6NHsd mice, both young (5 months) and old (25 months).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-8-80

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