IL-15Rα deficiency leads to mitochondrial and myofiber differences in fast mouse muscles

Cytokine. 2013 Jan;61(1):41-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.09.025. Epub 2012 Oct 30.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine mitochondrial changes in fast muscles from interleukin-15 receptor alpha knockout (IL-15RαKO) mice. We tested the hypothesis that fast muscles from IL-15RαKO mice would have a greater mitochondrial density and altered internal structure compared to muscles from control mice. In fast muscles from IL-15RαKO mice, mitochondrial density was 48% greater with a corresponding increase in mitochondrial DNA content. Although there were no differences in the relative size of isolated mitochondria, internal complexity was lower in mitochondria from IL-15RαKO mice. These data support an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and provide direct evidence for a greater density and altered internal structure of mitochondria in EDL muscles deficient in IL-15Rα.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / analysis
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit / deficiency*
  • Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit