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Specific PIWI-Interacting RNAs and Related Small Noncoding RNAs Are Associated With Ovarian Aging in Ames Dwarf

Joseph M Dhahbi1, Joe W Chen1, Supriya Bhupathy1

  • 1Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, California University of Science & Medicine, San Bernardino, USA.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|August 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The Ames dwarf mouse model reveals that small noncoding RNAs, including PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and piRNA-like RNAs (piLRNAs), play roles in ovarian aging. These molecules may help maintain a younger ovarian phenotype in dwarf mice.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular genetics
  • Aging research

Background:

  • The Ames dwarf (df/df) mouse is a model for delayed aging.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are studied for their role in ovarian aging.
  • Other small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in ovarian aging require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To profile PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and piRNA-like RNAs (piLRNAs) in the ovaries of young and aged Ames dwarf (df/df) and normal mice.
  • To investigate the potential roles of these sncRNAs in ovarian aging and the maintenance of a younger ovarian phenotype in df/df mice.

Main Methods:

  • Profiling of ovarian sncRNAs, specifically piRNAs and piLRNAs, in young and aged df/df and normal mice.
  • Analysis of the expression patterns of these sncRNAs in relation to aging and dwarfism.
  • Identification of potential gene targets for the altered sncRNAs.

Main Results:

  • Aging and dwarfism significantly alter the ovarian expression of piRNAs, piLRNAs, and transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRF-piRNAs).
  • Specific tRF-piRNAs that increase with age may target and reduce breast cancer antiestrogen resistance protein 3 (BCAR3) expression in old df/df mouse ovaries.
  • Age-related decreases in certain piLRNAs may de-repress transposable elements, potentially benefiting ovarian aging in df/df mice.

Conclusions:

  • Ovarian tissues exhibit unique responses to aging and dwarfism involving novel sncRNAs.
  • Beyond miRNAs, piRNAs, piLRNAs, and tRF-piRNAs are implicated in maintaining a younger ovarian phenotype in df/df mice.
  • These findings underscore the complexity of aging effects on gene expression and highlight potential therapeutic targets.
Keywords:
AgingAmes dwarfOvariespiRNA

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