Characterizing expression changes in noncoding RNAs during aging and heterochronic parabiosis across mouse tissues

Nat Biotechnol. 2024 Jan;42(1):109-118. doi: 10.1038/s41587-023-01751-6. Epub 2023 Apr 27.

Abstract

Molecular mechanisms of organismal and cell aging remain incompletely understood. We, therefore, generated a body-wide map of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression in aging (16 organs at ten timepoints from 1 to 27 months) and rejuvenated mice. We found molecular aging trajectories are largely tissue-specific except for eight broadly deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs). Their individual abundance mirrors their presence in circulating plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) whereas tissue-specific ncRNAs were less present. For miR-29c-3p, we observe the largest correlation with aging in solid organs, plasma and EVs. In mice rejuvenated by heterochronic parabiosis, miR-29c-3p was the most prominent miRNA restored to similar levels found in young liver. miR-29c-3p targets the extracellular matrix and secretion pathways, known to be implicated in aging. We provide a map of organism-wide expression of ncRNAs with aging and rejuvenation and identify a set of broadly deregulated miRNAs, which may function as systemic regulators of aging via plasma and EVs.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Animals
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Parabiosis

Substances

  • MicroRNAs