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Isolation of Intermediate Filament Proteins from Multiple Mouse Tissues to Study Aging-associated Post-translational Modifications
Published on: May 18, 2017
MicroRNA group disorganization in aging.
Joel Lanceta1, Russell A Prough, Ruqiang Liang
1Gheens Center on Aging, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
Experimental Gerontology
|December 26, 2009
Summary
Aging disrupts microRNA (miRNA) gene expression in coordinated groups, known as
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Aging Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, controlling translation via binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs.
- miRNAs function as a post-transcriptional 'dimmer switch,' modulating gene expression rather than causing complete suppression.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in age-dependent diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coordinated, group-wise changes in microRNA expression during aging.
- To explore the role of these coordinated miRNA 'packs' in the pathoetiology of age-related diseases.
- To understand how these miRNA groups contribute to aging and longevity mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-dependent microRNA expression patterns.
- Investigating the coordinated regulation of microRNAs by common transcriptional factors.
- Exploring genomic location and shared transcriptional regulation of microRNAs.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA expression dysregulation during aging occurs in coordinated groups ('packs').
- These coordinated changes are potentially driven by common transcriptional regulators.
- Accumulation of disorganization within these miRNA 'packs' may contribute to age-related diseases.
Conclusions:
- Age-dependent microRNA dysregulation involves coordinated groups, not just individual miRNAs.
- A systems biology approach is necessary to understand and correct age-related miRNA disorganization.
- Studying miRNA 'packs' offers a new frontier in understanding aging and longevity.
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