Exploring the Factors of Muscle Degeneration in Aging Using the Drosophila Model
Disciplines
Biotechnology | Cell Biology | Genetics | Molecular Biology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
As we get older, we become predisposed to sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a medical condition in older adults characterized by a slow but persistent decline in muscle mass and strength. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that contribute to muscle degeneration during aging. In our studies, we used Drosophila fruit flies as a model organism, which was possible because muscle tissue is very conservative across distant organisms. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we quantified muscle damage in 38 inbred genetic fly lines. In parallel, the flies were subject to the climbing test to assess their physical activity. Based on the morphological analysis of 2,200 images of the jump muscle, we determined the lines with naturally high and low tendencies toward muscle degeneration were older in age and participated in a higher level of physical activity. We found a strong positive correlation between muscle damage, age, and the level of physical activity. Our next step is to run a genome-wide association study to identify genetic factors that correlate with muscle damage. In conclusion, we believe our data will help to better understand the underlying causes of sarcopenia in humans.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Anton Bryantsev
Exploring the Factors of Muscle Degeneration in Aging Using the Drosophila Model
As we get older, we become predisposed to sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a medical condition in older adults characterized by a slow but persistent decline in muscle mass and strength. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that contribute to muscle degeneration during aging. In our studies, we used Drosophila fruit flies as a model organism, which was possible because muscle tissue is very conservative across distant organisms. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we quantified muscle damage in 38 inbred genetic fly lines. In parallel, the flies were subject to the climbing test to assess their physical activity. Based on the morphological analysis of 2,200 images of the jump muscle, we determined the lines with naturally high and low tendencies toward muscle degeneration were older in age and participated in a higher level of physical activity. We found a strong positive correlation between muscle damage, age, and the level of physical activity. Our next step is to run a genome-wide association study to identify genetic factors that correlate with muscle damage. In conclusion, we believe our data will help to better understand the underlying causes of sarcopenia in humans.