Age-Related Alterations in Gene Expression Patterns in Human CD8+ T Cells

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of California have identified significant age-related changes in gene expression patterns in human CD8+ T cells. These changes were found to be associated with impaired DNA replication, RNA transcription, and signal transduction, which may contribute to the instability of cellular and genomic integrity, and alterations of growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and anergy in human aged CD8+ T cells.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study compared gene expression profiles in CD8+ T cells from aged and young healthy subjects using Affymetrix microarray Human Genome U133A-2 GeneChips.
  • A total of 5.2% (754) of the genes analyzed had known functions and displayed statistically significant age-associated expression changes.
  • The genes involved in age-associated expression changes were mainly in nucleic acid and protein metabolism, including RNA transcription regulation, RNA and DNA metabolism, intracellular transportation, and signaling transduction pathways.
  • Functional groups with more up-regulated genes than expected included response to oxidative stress and cytokines, apoptosis, and the MAPKK signaling cascade.
  • The researchers concluded that these age-associated gene expression changes may be responsible for impaired cellular and genomic integrity in human aged CD8+ T cells.

Statistics:

  • 5.2% of the genes analyzed displayed statistically significant age-associated expression changes.
  • 754 genes had known functions and were involved in age-associated expression changes.
  • The age-associated gene expression changes affected a broad array of complex biological processes, including nucleic acid and protein metabolism.
  • 19 (Journal) 31 (Pages) Aging Cell, 2010)

Sources:

  • Cao, J.N., et al. (2010). Age-related alterations of gene expression patterns in human CD8+ T cells. Aging Cell, 9(1), 19-31.