| First Author | Wu CY | Year | 2012 |
| Journal | Hum Mol Genet | Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 18 | Pages | 3956-68 |
| PubMed ID | 22661501 | Mgi Jnum | J:187306 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5436178 | Doi | 10.1093/hmg/dds210 |
| Citation | Wu CY, et al. (2012) A persistent level of Cisd2 extends healthy lifespan and delays aging in mice. Hum Mol Genet 21(18):3956-68 |
| abstractText | The CISD2 gene, which is an evolutionarily conserved novel gene, encodes a transmembrane protein primarily associated with the mitochondrial outer membrane. Significantly, the CISD2 gene is located within the candidate region on chromosome 4q where a genetic component for human longevity has been mapped. Previously, we have shown that Cisd2 deficiency shortens lifespan resulting in premature aging in mice. Additionally, an age-dependent decrease in Cisd2 expression has been detected during normal aging. In this study, we demonstrate that a persistent level of Cisd2 achieved by transgenic expression in mice extends their median and maximum lifespan without any apparent deleterious side effects. Cisd2 also ameliorates age-associated degeneration of the skin, skeletal muscles and neurons. Moreover, Cisd2 protects mitochondria from age-associated damage and functional decline as well as attenuating the age-associated reduction in whole-body energy metabolism. These results suggest that Cisd2 is a fundamentally important regulator of lifespan and provide an experimental basis for exploring the candidacy of CISD2 in human longevity. |
