Mitochondrial Decline Correlates with Onset of Sarcopenia in Nematodes

Researchers here demonstrate an association between reduced mitochondrial function and onset of sarcopenia in nematode worms. Muscle tissue requires a lot of energy for function and maintenance, and that energy is supplied in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the roving herds of mitochondria found within muscle cells. Progressive failure of mitochondrial function is a feature of aging, and is thought to be a contributing cause of the loss of muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, that is characteristic of late life physiology. Sarcopenia is not exclusive to humans, and has been observed in non-human primates, dogs, rodents, and even the microscopic worm, C. elegans. These observations, therefore, suggest that sarcopenia is an evolutionarily conserved process and whilst some evidence suggests the underlying mechanisms might also be conserved, it remains an open question. There are several theories regarding the cause of sarcopenia, but we do not yet fully understand its aetiology, not least because of an absence of life-long, prospective studies. Muscle architecture is highly conserved between C. elegans and mammals and the major signaling pathways and degradation systems are also present in both system. Thus, C. elegans is a good organism in which to investigate the molecular changes to muscle with ageing. Previous studies have shown that ageing in C. elegans muscle is characterized by altered structure and reduced function. This is displayed...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs