A transcriptional profile of aging in the human kidney

PLoS Biol. 2004 Dec;2(12):e427. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0020427. Epub 2004 Nov 30.

Abstract

In this study, we found 985 genes that change expression in the cortex and the medulla of the kidney with age. Some of the genes whose transcripts increase in abundance with age are known to be specifically expressed in immune cells, suggesting that immune surveillance or inflammation increases with age. The age-regulated genes show a similar aging profile in the cortex and the medulla, suggesting a common underlying mechanism for aging. Expression profiles of these age-regulated genes mark not only age, but also the relative health and physiology of the kidney in older individuals. Finally, the set of aging-regulated kidney genes suggests specific mechanisms and pathways that may play a role in kidney degeneration with age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / pathology
  • Inflammation
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Kidney / pathology*
  • Kidney Cortex / pathology
  • Kidney Glomerulus / metabolism
  • Kidney Medulla / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical
  • Muscles / metabolism
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • RNA / metabolism
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • RNA