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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
[Anti-aging research using SMP30/GNL knockout mice]
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan. ishigami@phar.toho-u.ac.jp
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan
|January 5, 2010
Summary
Senescence Marker Protein-30 (SMP30) is the enzyme gluconolactonase (GNL), essential for vitamin C biosynthesis in animals. Vitamin C deficiency accelerates aging and shortens lifespan, as shown in SMP30 knockout mice.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Senescence Marker Protein-30 (SMP30) was initially identified as a liver protein whose expression declines with age.
- Recent research identified SMP30 as the enzyme gluconolactonase (GNL), crucial for vitamin C synthesis in animals.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of SMP30 (GNL) in vitamin C biosynthesis and its impact on aging.
- To verify the essential function of SMP30 in maintaining vitamin C levels and longevity.
Summary:
- SMP30 was identified as the animal gluconolactonase (GNL), a key enzyme in vitamin C biosynthesis.
- SMP30 knockout mice exhibited scurvy symptoms on a vitamin C-deficient diet, confirming SMP30's role.
- These mice also had a reduced lifespan when vitamin C levels were insufficient, indicating vitamin C's importance for longevity.
Impact:
- Demonstrates that vitamin C deficiency accelerates the aging process and shortens lifespan.
- Highlights the critical role of SMP30/GNL in maintaining vitamin C homeostasis and promoting healthy aging.
- Provides a molecular link between vitamin C metabolism, aging, and senescence.
