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GFAP mRNA increases with age in rat and human brain
N R Nichols1, J R Day, N J Laping
1Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-0191.
Neurobiology of Aging
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA levels increase with age in rat and human brains, suggesting universal age-related changes in astrocytes. This finding highlights potential transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a key intermediate filament protein in astrocytes.
- Changes in GFAP expression are associated with astrocyte activation and brain aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in GFAP mRNA expression in rat and human brains.
- To explore potential regulatory factors influencing GFAP mRNA levels during aging.
Main Methods:
- RNA blot hybridization was used to quantify GFAP mRNA in different brain regions of rats and humans.
- Serum hormone levels (testosterone, corticosterone) were measured in rats.
- Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 mRNA served as a control.
Main Results:
- GFAP mRNA levels significantly increased in the hippocampus and striatum of aged rats compared to young rats.
- Human GFAP mRNA also showed an age-dependent increase in the hippocampus, frontal, and temporal cortex.
- Glutamine synthetase mRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 mRNA levels did not change with age.
- Rat GFAP mRNA levels were inversely correlated with serum testosterone.
Conclusions:
- These findings indicate a consistent age-related increase in GFAP mRNA in both rodent and human brains.
- The increase in GFAP mRNA suggests transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation contributes to age-related astrocyte changes.
- This study extends the observation of increased GFAP mRNA with age to three species, including mice.