ISSN:
1432-0827
Keywords:
Key words: Aging — Cadherin — Bone remodeling — Gene expression — Osteoporosis.
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract. Cadherin-11 is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule that is expressed in cells of the mesenchymal lineage during embryonic development. In this study we show, for the first time, that cadherin-11 gene is expressed in the bone marrow and bone cells obtained from rabbits of various age groups. Furthermore, a quantitative measurement of gene expression revealed that cadherin-11 was expressed in young rabbits (6 week-old: open epiphysis) at a level of 6.7 × 105± 0.7 × 105 molecules; in mature rabbits (8–10 month-old: closed epiphysis) at 11 × 105± 0.9 × 105 molecules; and in aged rabbits (4–5 year-old) at a level of 1.2 × 105± 0.2 × 105 molecules/μg total RNA. The relative level of cadherin-11 gene expression in mature rabbit marrow was found to be approximately 50% greater than in young rabbits. However, aged animals showed a reduction in cadherin-11 specific gene expression of greater than 900% as compared with mature animals. Age-related changes in bone remodeling/turnover lead to reduced bone density and high fracture risk, and since cadherins play a crucial role in tissue morphogenesis, this marked decrease may represent an index of the aging process in bone.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002239900474
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