Aberrant gene expression and aging: examination of tissue-specific mRNAs in young and old rats.
It has been suggested that aberrant gene expression may play a role in aging. To test this possibility, we examined the steady-state mRNA levels for five tissue-specific genes of known function in young (6 month) and old (24 month) rats. Six different tissues from three animals of each age were analyzed using a hybridization assay estimated to be able to detect one mRNA copy per cell. At this level of sensitivity, no aberrant gene expression was seen. The results indicate that these tissue-specific genes retain their fidelity of expression with age.
Sato
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Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Schneider
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Danner
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D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D001345:Autoradiography / Q000379:methods; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / Q000235:genetics; D007633:Keratins / Q000235:genetics; D009928:Organ Specificity; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000235:genetics; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012709:Serum Albumin; D007633:Keratins; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor