Aging-related denervation of skeletal muscle results in a significant loss of independence in the elderly population. With age, motor neuron (MN) axons are retracted from the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), leaving behind denervated muscle fibers that cannot be recruited during muscle contraction. This age-related denervation occurs in both humans and animal models, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Recent evidence suggests a new mediator for age-related synapse loss: proteins of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI). MHCI mRNA is constitutively expressed in adult spinal MNs, and MN MHCI levels increase significantly with age. In contrast, in muscles that are resistant to age-related denervation (e.g., the extraocular muscles), MNs consistently express much lower levels of MHCI. These results suggest a model in which MHCI expression contributes to age-related synapse loss at the NMJ. Retraction of MN axons from the NMJ is not limited to aging: it is also a critical aspect of normal development. MN axons retract during the course of postnatal vertebrate development, removing the supernumerary MN inputs that form prenatally. Our preliminary data show that MHCI is expressed during developmental synapse elimination at the NMJ. We also find that developmental synapse elimination is significantly impaired in MHCI-deficient mice. This proposal is guided by the hypothesis that MHCI contributes to removal of MN axons at the NMJ, both during developmental synapse elimination and aging-related synapse loss. The goals of this project are three-fold: 1) Using a MHCI-deficient transgenic mouse model, we will determine if reducing MHCI expression ameliorates aging-related synapse loss at the NMJ. 2) Using RT-PCR and transgenic mouse lines, we will determine if classical MHCIs are required for MN retraction. 3) By expanding our studies to muscles of different fiber type compositions and labeling these fiber types in MHCI- deficient mice, we will determine if MHCI triggers MN retraction specifically at slow twitch muscle fibers. Together, the proposed studies will define the role of MHCI in developmental synapse elimination and aging-associated synapse loss, and could suggest unexpected, immune-based strategies to protect aged muscles from denervation.

Public Health Relevance

Reduced muscle function during aging results in a significant loss of independence and a high financial burden in the elderly population. This proposal will explore a novel role for major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) in age-related denervation of skeletal muscle. These studies may identify an unexpected therapeutic target for preventing neuromuscular denervation in the aging population.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Individual Predoctoral NRSA for M.D./Ph.D. Fellowships (ADAMHA) (F30)
Project #
7F30AG046044-03
Application #
9175458
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03A-N (20))
Program Officer
Wagster, Molly V
Project Start
2014-03-15
Project End
2019-03-14
Budget Start
2015-07-02
Budget End
2016-03-14
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$34,623
Indirect Cost
Name
Rbhs-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Department
Type
DUNS #
078795875
City
Piscataway
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
08854
Tetruashvily, Mazell M; McDonald, Marin A; Frietze, Karla K et al. (2016) MHCI promotes developmental synapse elimination and aging-related synapse loss at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Brain Behav Immun 56:197-208
Tetruashvily, Mazell M; Melson, John W; Park, Joseph J et al. (2016) Expression and alternative splicing of classical and nonclassical MHCI genes in the hippocampus and neuromuscular junction. Mol Cell Neurosci 72:34-45