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Extension of mouse lifespan by overexpression of catalase

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Abstract

The free radical theory of aging was originally proposed 50 years ago, and is arguably the most popular mechanism explaining the aging process. According to this theory, aging results from the progressive decline in organ function due to the damage generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These chemical species are a normal part of metabolism, and a group of enzymes exists to protect cells against their toxic effects. One of these species is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which can be degraded by catalase. To determine the role of hydrogen peroxide in aging and its importance in different subcellular compartments, transgenic mice were developed with increased catalase activities localized to the peroxisome (PCAT), nucleus (NCAT), or mitochondrion (MCAT). The largest effect on lifespan was found in MCAT animals, with a 20% increase in median lifespan and a 10% increase in the maximum lifespan. A more modest effect was seen in PCAT animals, and no significant change was found in NCAT animals. Upon further examination of the MCAT mice, it was found that H2O2 production and H2O2-induced aconitase inactivation were attenuated, oxidative damage and the development of mitochondrial deletions were reduced, and cardiac pathology and cataract development were delayed. These results are consistent with a role of H2O2 in the development of pathology and in the limitation of mouse lifespan. They also demonstrate the importance of mitochondria as a source, and possible target, of ROS.

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Abbreviations

FRTA:

free radical theory of aging

GPX:

glutathione peroxidase

MCAT:

mitochondrial-targeted catalase

mtDNA:

mitochondrial DNA

NCAT:

nuclear-targeted catalase

PCAT:

peroxisomal (wild-type) catalase

ROS:

reactive oxygen species

SOD:

superoxide dismutase

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine and Genetics, Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 2101 Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697-3940, USA

    Samuel E. Schriner

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 91895, USA

    Nancy J. Linford

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  1. Samuel E. Schriner
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  2. Nancy J. Linford
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Correspondence to Samuel E. Schriner.

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Schriner, S.E., Linford, N.J. Extension of mouse lifespan by overexpression of catalase. AGE 28, 209–218 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-006-9010-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-006-9010-z

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