Age-related decrease of the LAMP-2 gene expression in human leukocytes.
OBJECTIVE
Autophagy is a highly conserved degradation pathway in cells, which has been involved in many physiological processes and implicated in human age-related diseases. However, autophagy activities have not been systemically investigated with human tissues and cells.


METHODS
Lysosomal associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2) protein is critical for autophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy. We examined LAMP-2 gene expression and protein levels in the peripheral leukocytes from healthy subjects over 40 years old.


RESULTS
Compared to those in group of 40-44 years, the LAMP-2 transcript and protein levels in groups of 65-69 (P<0.01) and over 70 years (P<0.001) were significantly decreased. No significant difference in LAMP-2 transcript and protein levels were observed between male and female groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data revealed that there was a progressive and age-related decrease of the LAMP-2 gene expression in the peripheral leukocytes of healthy subjects, indicating a trend of decreasing autophagy activities with aging.
Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Jining Medical College Affiliated Hospital, Jining Medical College, Jining, Shandong 272029, China.
Jian
J
Huang
Jing
J
Xu
Shuchao
S
Pang
Bo
B
Bai
Bo
B
Yan
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism*; D052119:Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2; D051907:Lysosomal Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
C497811:LAMP2 protein, human; D052119:Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2; D051907:Lysosomal Membrane Proteins