BubR1 insufficiency causes early onset of aging-associated phenotypes and infertility in mice

Nat Genet. 2004 Jul;36(7):744-9. doi: 10.1038/ng1382. Epub 2004 Jun 20.

Abstract

Faithful segregation of replicated chromosomes is essential for maintenance of genetic stability and seems to be monitored by several mitotic checkpoints. Various components of these checkpoints have been identified in mammals, but their physiological relevance is largely unknown. Here we show that mutant mice with low levels of the spindle assembly checkpoint protein BubR1 develop progressive aneuploidy along with a variety of progeroid features, including short lifespan, cachectic dwarfism, lordokyphosis, cataracts, loss of subcutaneous fat and impaired wound healing. Graded reduction of BubR1 expression in mouse embryonic fibroblasts causes increased aneuploidy and senescence. Male and female mutant mice have defects in meiotic chromosome segregation and are infertile. Natural aging of wild-type mice is marked by decreased expression of BubR1 in multiple tissues, including testis and ovary. These results suggest a role for BubR1 in regulating aging and infertility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics*
  • Aneuploidy
  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Female
  • Infertility, Female / genetics*
  • Infertility, Male / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Kinases / physiology*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases

Substances

  • Bub1b protein, mouse
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Protein Kinases
  • Bub1 spindle checkpoint protein
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases