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GFAP RNA increases during a wasting state in old mice
J R Goss1, C E Finch, D G Morgan
1Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-0191.
Experimental Neurology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Brain RNA changes during wasting were studied in mice. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) RNA increased, suggesting selective RNA alterations in premortem wasting conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Prolonged wasting conditions are linked to increased morbidity in aging populations.
- The impact of wasting on RNA quantity and quality in the brain remains largely unknown.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for modeling age-related diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in whole brain RNA during a premortem wasting state in an animal model.
- To determine if RNA alterations are global or selective during natural senescence.
- To provide context for interpreting RNA changes observed in neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Examination of whole brain RNA from mice nearing natural death.
- Utilizing RNA gel-blot hybridization analysis to quantify specific RNA sequences.
- Assessing the stability of multiple RNA sequences under wasting conditions.
Main Results:
- A significant three-fold increase in Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) RNA was observed.
- Five other examined RNA sequences remained stable during the wasting process.
- These findings indicate selective, rather than global, changes in brain RNA.
Conclusions:
- Brain RNA alterations during a premortem wasting state are selective.
- Observed RNA changes in conditions like Alzheimer's disease may be influenced by the individual's wasting status.
- Wasting itself could be a significant factor in observed molecular changes, independent of specific disease pathology.