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Published on: June 26, 2018
Gene Transcriptional and Metabolic Profile Changes in Mimetic Aging Mice Induced by D-Galactose
Yue-Yue Zhou1, Xiong-Fei Ji1, Jian-Ping Fu1
1Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
Abstract:
D-galactose injection has been shown to induce many changes in mice that represent accelerated aging. This mouse model has been widely used for pharmacological studies of anti-aging agents. The underlying mechanism of D-galactose induced aging remains unclear, however, it appears to relate to glucose and 1ipid metabolic disorders. Currently, there has yet to be a study that focuses on investigating gene expression changes in D-galactose aging mice. In this study, integrated analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabonomics and gene expression profiles was used to investigate the changes in transcriptional and metabolic profiles in mimetic aging mice injected with D-galactose. Our findings demonstrated that 48 mRNAs were differentially expressed between control and D-galactose mice, and 51 potential biomarkers were identified at the metabolic level. The effects of D-galactose on aging could be attributed to glucose and 1ipid metabolic disorders, oxidative damage, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), reduction in abnormal substance elimination, cell apoptosis, and insulin resistance.
Insights
D-galactose injection in mice accelerates aging, linked to metabolic issues. This study reveals specific gene expression and metabolic changes, offering insights into aging mechanisms and potential anti-aging therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Metabolic Research
- Molecular Biology and Metabolomics
Background:
- D-galactose injection is a common model for accelerated aging in mice.
- The precise mechanisms underlying D-galactose-induced aging, particularly gene expression changes, are not well understood.
- Existing research suggests a link to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptional and metabolic profile changes in D-galactose-induced aging mice.
- To identify differentially expressed genes and metabolic biomarkers associated with accelerated aging.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of D-galactose-induced aging.
Main Methods:
- Integrated analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabonomics.
- Analysis of gene expression profiles (mRNA).
- Comparison between D-galactose injected mice and control groups.
Main Results:
- Identified 48 differentially expressed mRNAs between control and D-galactose groups.
- Discovered 51 potential metabolic biomarkers.
- Confirmed links to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, oxidative damage, AGEs accumulation, impaired substance elimination, apoptosis, and insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- D-galactose induces significant transcriptional and metabolic alterations in mice, modeling aspects of accelerated aging.
- The findings provide a comprehensive molecular and metabolic view of D-galactose-induced aging.
- This integrated approach deepens the understanding of aging mechanisms and aids in developing anti-aging strategies.

