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DNA double-strand breaks in mouse kidney cells with age
N P Singh1, C E Ogburn, N S Wolf
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. narendra@u.washington.edu
Biogerontology
|March 1, 2002
Summary
Aging increases DNA double-strand breaks in mouse kidney cells, correlating with greater kidney pathology. This age-related DNA damage is modest but significant, highlighting cellular changes during the aging process.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cellular aging is associated with accumulating DNA damage.
- Understanding age-related DNA damage in specific organs like the kidney is crucial for aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in kidney cells of middle-aged and old mice.
- To investigate the correlation between DNA damage and kidney pathology in aging.
Main Methods:
- Single cell suspensions were prepared from C57B1/6 mouse kidneys (12- and 24-month-old) using a Biojector device.
- Microgel electrophoresis was employed to detect and quantify DNA double-strand breaks.
- DNA damage levels were compared to a calibration curve using X-ray-induced damage.
Main Results:
- A significant 7.3% increase in DNA double-strand breaks was observed in kidney cells of old (24-month-old) mice compared to middle-aged (12-month-old) mice (P = 0.04).
- The observed increase in DNA damage is equivalent to that induced by 0.1 Gray of X-rays.
- Higher levels of DNA damage positively correlated with increased kidney pathology in older mice.
Conclusions:
- Kidney cells accumulate DNA double-strand breaks with age in C57B1/6 mice.
- Age-related DNA damage in the kidney is linked to the development of organ pathology.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging and organ decline.
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