Authors: Takahashi M; Eda A; Fukushima T; Hohjoh H
Abstract: MicroRNA (miRNA), a small non-coding RNA that functions as a mediator in gene silencing, plays important roles in gene regulation in various vital functions and activities. Here we show that the miR-29 members are upregulated in klotho-deficient [klotho(-/-)] mice, a senescence-model animal, and also in normal elderly ICR mice relative to wild-type littermates and young ICR mice. In addition, levels of type IV collagen, a major component of basement membranes and a putative target of miR-29, were lower in klotho(-/-) and elderly ICR mice than in wild-type littermates and young ICR mice. RNA degradation mediated by miR-29 may participate in the suppression of type IV collagen, both in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, our current findings suggest that the miR-29 upregulated in aging may be involved in the downregulation of type IV collagen, leading to a possible weakening of the basal membrane in senescent tissues, and miR-29 may be a useful molecular marker of senescence.
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Journal: PloS one Volume: 7 Issue: 11 Pages: e48974 Date: Nov. 10, 2012 PMID: 23139829 |
Takahashi M, Eda A, Fukushima T, Hohjoh H (2012) Reduction of Type IV Collagen by Upregulated miR-29 in Normal Elderly Mouse and klotho-Deficient, Senescence-Model Mouse. PloS one 7: e48974.
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