Senescence marker protein-30 knockout mouse as an aging model

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun:1019:383-7. doi: 10.1196/annals.1297.068.

Abstract

A mouse strain lacking SMP30 can be regarded as a strain showing ultimate decrease of the SMP30 molecule. After three months of age, SMP30-KO mice had an increased mortality rate, compared with the SMP30-WT mice, all of which remained alive. Electron microscopic observation of the hepatocytes from 12-month-old SMP30-KO mice revealed many empty vacuoles, presumably lipid droplets, abnormally enlarged mitochondria with indistinct cristae, and exceptionally large lysosomes filled with electron-dense bodies. The total hepatic triglyceride concentration of SMP30-KO mice was approximately 3.6-fold higher than that of the age-matched wild type. Similarly, the total hepatic cholesterol of SMP30-KO mice reached an approximate 3.3-fold greater value than that of the comparative group. Total hepatic phospholipids of SMP30-KO mice achieved an approximately 3.7-fold higher level compared with that of the wild-type mice. The cells from SMP30-KO mice were sensitive to apoptotic reagents. Those results supported the idea that SMP30 has an antiapoptotic function with wide spectrum. These findings indicate that SMP30-KO mice are highly susceptible to various harmful reagents. This strain might be a useful tool for aging and biological monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Electrons
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Sulfotransferases
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Rgn protein, mouse
  • Cholesterol
  • Sulfotransferases
  • alcohol sulfotransferase
  • Calcium