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Measurement of Mitochondrial Respiration in Human and Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers by High-Resolution Respirometry
Published on: October 4, 2024
Age-associated miRNA alterations in skeletal muscle from rhesus monkeys reversed by caloric restriction
Evi M Mercken1, Elisa Majounie, Jinhui Ding
1Experimental Gerontology Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Abstract:
The levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) are altered under different conditions such as cancer, senescence, and aging. Here, we have identified differentially expressed miRNAs in skeletal muscle from young and old rhesus monkeys using RNA sequencing. In old muscle, several miRNAs were upregulated, including miR-451, miR-144, miR-18a and miR-15a, while a few miRNAs were downregulated, including miR-181a and miR-181b. A number of novel miRNAs were also identified, particularly in old muscle. We also examined the impact of caloric restriction (CR) on miRNA abundance by reverse transcription (RT) followed by real-time, quantitative (q)PCR analysis and found that CR rescued the levels of miR-181b and chr1:205580546, and also dampened the age-induced increase in miR-451 and miR-144 levels. Our results reveal that there are changes in expression of known and novel miRNAs with skeletal muscle aging and that CR may reverse some of these changes to a younger phenotype.
Insights
Skeletal muscle aging alters microRNA (miRNA) levels in rhesus monkeys. Caloric restriction (CR) partially reversed these age-related changes, suggesting a younger muscle phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
- Genomics
Background:
- MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles change with age and in conditions like cancer and senescence.
- Skeletal muscle aging is associated with altered gene expression, impacting muscle function and health.
- Understanding miRNA dynamics during aging is crucial for developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs in skeletal muscle of young versus old rhesus monkeys.
- To investigate the impact of caloric restriction (CR) on age-associated miRNA changes in skeletal muscle.
- To explore the potential of CR in reversing age-related miRNA alterations.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing was employed to profile miRNA expression in skeletal muscle from young and old rhesus monkeys.
- Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to validate and quantify specific miRNA levels.
- Caloric restriction (CR) intervention was applied to assess its effects on miRNA abundance.
Main Results:
- Several miRNAs, including miR-451, miR-144, miR-18a, and miR-15a, were upregulated in old muscle.
- miR-181a and miR-181b were found to be downregulated in aged skeletal muscle.
- CR intervention rescued miR-181b and chr1:205580546 levels and reduced the age-induced increase in miR-451 and miR-144.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle aging is characterized by significant alterations in both known and novel miRNA expression.
- Caloric restriction demonstrates a capacity to ameliorate some age-related miRNA changes, promoting a younger muscle phenotype.
- These findings highlight the role of miRNAs in the aging process and the potential therapeutic benefits of CR.
