An involvement of mitochondria in aging processes has been proposed by numerous investigators. There is mounting evidence for an increasing number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions and other abnormalities with age in humans. These age-associated abnormalities are most pronounced in nerve and muscle and may explain many disorders of old age in these tissues. Similar increasing mtDNA deletions with age have been found in muscles of other species, including mouse and rhesus monkey. We propose to localize mtDNA abnormalities in selected skeletal muscles of three animal models and to study the influence of age and dietary restriction (DR) on the patterns of localization. Two lines of evidence suggest a role for DR on mtDNA abnormalities. There is extensive evidence that DR reduces free radical damage in aging rodents and that DR significantly increases the maximum life-span of mice. Currently, the effects of DR are being tested in rhesus monkeys.
Three Specific Aims are proposed: 1) Develop proficiency in biogerontology and the methodology of DR, 2) Determine the cellular distribution of mtDNA deletions in skeletal muscles of mice and rhesus monkeys using in situ hybridization and in situ PCR, and 3) Determine the effect of DR on the distribution of mtDNA deletions in skeletal muscle from mice and rhesus monkeys.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
1K01AG000650-01A1
Application #
2048492
Study Section
Biological and Clinical Aging Review Committee (BCA)
Project Start
1995-09-05
Project End
2000-08-31
Budget Start
1995-09-05
Budget End
1996-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715