Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2016
Altered gene expression pattern indicates the differential regulation of the immune response system as an important
Babett Bartling1, Katja Niemann1, Rainer U Pliquett2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Middle German Heart Centre at the University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany.
Abstract:
Numerous changes occur in the old myocardium which finally cause lower cardiac output and, therefore, circulatory dysfunction. In order to identify an age-related gene expression pattern, we analyzed left ventricular myocardium of adult (6 months) and old (24 months) mice by use of whole genome expression arrays. About 2.3% of genes expressed above the median value of all genes were differentially expressed in old hearts. Nearly all of them were upregulated. After application of defined exclusion criteria, 98 genes were selected for a more detailed analysis. About one third of the 98 genes codes for factors involved in the immune reaction, such as chemokines (CCLs 6, 8, 9), proteins of the S100 family (S100s 4, 8, 9, 10, 11), complement components (C1qa, C1qb, C1qc, C3, C4b), bacteria/virus-induced genes (lysozyme 1/2, interferon-activated genes), and pro-inflammatory caspases (Casp1, Casp4, Casp12). Predominantly, genes coding for factors of the immune reaction were simultaneously upregulated in the kidneys and lungs of old mice, thereby emphasizing the pivotal role of immune cells in tissue aging. In conclusion, myocardial aging is mainly associated with an altered expression pattern of molecules involved in the immune reaction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
Constitutive and Regulated Gene Expression
Humoral Immune Responses

