Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a significant contributor to frailty and other declines of aging. Many etiologies have been implicated and there is growing evidence that mitochondria and the mitochondrial genome may play a central role. Recent studies suggest a series of events linking oxidative damage to mitochondrial mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction, fiber atrophy and loss. The studies in the current proposal test the correlations observed in earlier work through the genetic manipulation of mitochondrial mutation rate. Our preliminary data show that the mitochondrial targeting of catalase and exonuclease-deficient polymerase gamma mutant mice are important models of decreased and increased mitochondrial mutation rate, respectively. These models will test the causality of mitochondrial mutations in the aging process and pinpoint areas amenable to intervention. My goal is to become an independent investigator studying basic mechanisms of aging and develop disease-modifying therapies that will benefit my older patients. During the proposed funding period, I will acquire new skills in the areas of mouse genetics, husbandry and colony management, satellite cell isolation and culture, and the measurement of mitochondrial function by flow cytometry. These techniques take full advantage of the resources available at the University of Washington, including the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Biology of Aging and the Transgenic Resource Laboratory, in addition to the internationally-recognized expertise of my mentors and collaborators.
Specific Aim 1 : Test the hypothesis that systemic decreases in oxidative damage will decrease age-associated mitochondrial genetic and enzymatic abnormalities and ameliorate sarcopenia.
Specific Aim 2 : Test the hypothesis that systemic increases in mtDNA mutations will increase age- associated mitochondrial genetic and enzymatic abnormalities and worsen sarcopenia.
Specific Aim 3 : Using a conditional mitochondrial mutator mouse, I will test the susceptibility of skeletal muscle to selective expression of the mtDNA mutator phenotype and establish the relationship between occurrence and biological impact of mtDNA deletion mutations.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed studies will uncover the basic changes that occur with aging in skeletal muscle which are major contributors to frailty. Elucidating the basic mechanisms of muscle aging will suggest points for therapeutic intervention to prevent this age-related decline. Additionally, this Career Development Award will support the unique career of a physician-scientist working in the areas of gerontology and geriatric medicine, for which there is a growing public health need.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08AG032873-04
Application #
8310957
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAG1-ZIJ-4 (M1))
Program Officer
Finkelstein, David B
Project Start
2009-09-15
Project End
2014-08-31
Budget Start
2012-09-01
Budget End
2013-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$96,727
Indirect Cost
$7,165
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
Bielas, Jason; Herbst, Allen; Widjaja, Kevin et al. (2018) Long term rapamycin treatment improves mitochondrial DNA quality in aging mice. Exp Gerontol 106:125-131
Herbst, Allen; Widjaja, Kevin; Nguy, Beatrice et al. (2017) Digital PCR Quantitation of Muscle Mitochondrial DNA: Age, Fiber Type, and Mutation-Induced Changes. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 72:1327-1333
Herbst, Allen; Wanagat, Jonathan; Cheema, Nashwa et al. (2016) Latent mitochondrial DNA deletion mutations drive muscle fiber loss at old age. Aging Cell 15:1132-1139
Ribas, Vicent; Drew, Brian G; Zhou, Zhenqi et al. (2016) Skeletal muscle action of estrogen receptor ? is critical for the maintenance of mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis in females. Sci Transl Med 8:334ra54
Wanagat, Jonathan; Hevener, Andrea L (2016) Mitochondrial quality control in insulin resistance and diabetes. Curr Opin Genet Dev 38:118-126
Wanagat, Jonathan; Ahmadieh, Nazanin; Bielas, Jason H et al. (2015) Skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA deletions are not increased in CuZn-superoxide dismutase deficient mice. Exp Gerontol 61:15-9
Drew, Brian G; Ribas, Vicente; Le, Jamie A et al. (2014) HSP72 is a mitochondrial stress sensor critical for Parkin action, oxidative metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. Diabetes 63:1488-505
Liba, Amir; Wanagat, Jonathan (2014) Single Cell Multiplex Protein Measurements through Rare Earth Element Immunolabeling, Laser Capture Microdissection and Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry. J Cytol Histol 5:
Ahuja, Preeti; Wanagat, Jonathan; Wang, Zhihua et al. (2013) Divergent mitochondrial biogenesis responses in human cardiomyopathy. Circulation 127:1957-67
Wanagat, Jonathan; Dai, Dao-Fu; Rabinovitch, Peter (2010) Mitochondrial oxidative stress and mammalian healthspan. Mech Ageing Dev 131:527-35

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