Cited by 86Mitochondrial Function and PathologyMuscle Physiology and DisordersAdipose Tissue and Metabolism

Reduced amount of mitochondrial DNA in aged human muscle

Welle, Stephen, Bhatt, Kirti, Shah, Bharati, Needler, Nancy, Delehanty, Joseph M., Thornton, Charles A.·2003·Journal of Applied Physiology

Abstract

Muscle concentrations of mRNAs encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) decline with aging. To determine whether this can be explained by diminished mtDNA levels, we measured the relative concentrations of mtDNA and a representative mtDNA transcript [encoding cytochrome-c oxidase, subunit 2 (COX-2)] in muscle of young (21-27 yr) and older subjects (65-75 yr). The amount of COX-2 mRNA (relative to 28S rRNA) was 22% lower (P = 0.04) in older muscle, and the amount of mtDNA (relative to nuclear DNA) was 38% lower (P = 0.0002). The average level of mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), a protein essential for mtDNA replication, was similar in younger and older muscle. Tfam mRNA, nuclear respiratory factor-1 mRNA, and several mRNAs encoding proteins required for mtDNA replication were expressed at similar levels in younger and older muscle. The mtDNA concentrations were only weakly related to age-adjusted aerobic fitness (maximal oxygen consumption) and self-reported physical activity levels. We conclude that the lower concentration of mitochondrial mRNAs in older muscle can be explained by a reduced concentration of mtDNA.

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Crossref · 10.1152/japplphysiol.01061.2002

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Authors
Welle, S., Bhatt, K., Shah, B., Needler, N., Delehanty, J. M., & Thornton, C. A.
Affiliations
  • Departments of Medicine,
  • University of Rochester Medicine (US)
Venue
Journal of Applied Physiology
Published
2003-04-01
Volume
94
Issue
4
Pages
1479-1484
ISSN
  • 0161-7567 (ISSN-L)
  • 8750-7587
  • 1522-1601
OpenAlex
W2147965185
Cited by
86
References
29
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
FWCI
1.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Applied Physiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute on Aging (AG18254, AG17891, P30AG018254, R01AG017891)
  • National Center for Research Resources (RR-00044, M01RR000044)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Muscle Physiology and Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
Keywords
mitochondrial DNA, muscle aging, COX-2 mRNA, TFAM, NRF1, mitochondrial DNA replication, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, skeletal muscle
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Aging, DNA, Mitochondrial, Female, Humans, Isoenzymes, Male, Membrane Proteins, Osmolar Concentration, Oxygen Consumption, Physical Fitness, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases, RNA, Messenger, Exercise, Muscle, Skeletal, Cyclooxygenase 2

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