Rejuvenating somatotropic signaling: a therapeutical opportunity for premature aging?

Aging (Albany NY). 2010 Dec;2(12):1017-22. doi: 10.18632/aging.100262.

Abstract

We have recently reported that progeroid Zmpste24-/- mice, which exhibit multiple defects that phenocopy Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, show a profound dysregulation of somatotropic axis, mainly characterized by the occurrence of very high circulating levels of growth hormone (GH) and a drastic reduction in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). We have also shown that restoration of the proper GH/IGF-1 balance in Zmpste24-/- mice by treatment with recombinant IGF-1 delays the onset of many progeroid features in these animals and significantly extends their lifespan. Here, we summarize these observations and discuss the importance of GH/IGF-1 balance in longevity as well as its modulation as a putative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human progeroid syndromes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging, Premature / drug therapy
  • Aging, Premature / genetics
  • Aging, Premature / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Genotype
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / therapeutic use
  • Longevity
  • Membrane Proteins / deficiency
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Metalloendopeptidases / deficiency
  • Metalloendopeptidases / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phenotype
  • Progeria / drug therapy
  • Progeria / genetics
  • Progeria / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Rejuvenation*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Growth Hormone
  • Metalloendopeptidases
  • Zmpste24 protein, mouse