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Published on: February 9, 2021
Knock out of the NADPH oxidase Nox4 has no impact on life span in mice
Flavia Rezende1, Christoph Schürmann1, Susanne Schütz1
1Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract:
The free radical theory of aging suggests reactive oxygen species as a main reason for accumulation of damage events eventually leading to aging. Nox4, a member of the family of NADPH oxidases constitutively produces ROS and therefore has the potential to be a main driver of aging. Herein we analyzed the life span of Nox4 deficient mice and found no difference when compared to their wildtype littermates. Accordingly neither Tert expression nor telomere length was different in cells isolated from those animals. In fact, Nox4 mRNA expression in lungs of wildtype mice dropped with age. We conclude that Nox4 has no influence on lifespan of healthy mice.
Insights
The free radical theory of aging implicates reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, Nox4 deficiency did not alter lifespan in mice, suggesting this enzyme doesn't drive aging in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biogerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Oxidative Stress
Background:
- The free radical theory of aging posits that reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause cellular damage, leading to aging.
- NADPH oxidases, such as Nox4, are key producers of ROS and are implicated in aging processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Nox4 in the aging process.
- To determine if Nox4 deficiency affects the lifespan of mice.
Main Methods:
- Lifespan analysis of Nox4 deficient mice compared to wildtype littermates.
- Analysis of Tert expression and telomere length in cells from these mice.
- Quantification of Nox4 mRNA expression in wildtype mouse lungs across different ages.
Main Results:
- Nox4 deficient mice exhibited no significant difference in lifespan compared to wildtype controls.
- Tert expression and telomere length remained unchanged in cells from Nox4 deficient mice.
- Nox4 mRNA levels in wildtype mouse lungs decreased with age.
Conclusions:
- Nox4 does not appear to influence the lifespan of healthy mice.
- The study suggests Nox4 is not a primary driver of aging in this model.
- Age-related decline in Nox4 expression was observed in mouse lungs.
