Age-Related Changes in β-glucuronidase and Other Lysosomal Genes

Suresh, Samyuktha (2017) Age-Related Changes in β-glucuronidase and Other Lysosomal Genes. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

PDF (MS dissertation of Samyuktha Suresh (12MS021)) MS_Thesis_SamyukthaSuresh_12MS021.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (10MB)

Abstract

β-glucuronidase is an important lysosomal enzyme involved in the degradation of glucuronate-containing glycosaminoglycans. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to many diseases including lysosomal storage disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. But, the role of this enzyme with ageing remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the changes in the β-glucuronidase enzyme with age, in Drosophila. Interestingly, we observed significant changes in the enzyme at both the mRNA and protein level. The significant changes led us to study the status of a few other lysosomal genes with ageing. We observed that the significant changes were restricted to GusB, apart from a few other genes. In addition, we have also found gender differences in the expression levels of the genes as well as their lifespans. These changes could potentially be used either as ageing biomarkers or targets to increase longevity with further research in this area.

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