Abstract

As we face an expanding elderly population and increased age-related chronic diseases, we must seek solutions that address interconnected problems. Dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q), a novel combination drug, is a proposed solution to improve the health and longevity of aged individuals with minimal side effects, exceptional efficacy, and maximum convenience. In this experiment, intermittent D+Q treatment was completed on young and old mice. RNA was extracted from perigonadal adipose tissue and cDNA libraries of mRNA and miRNA were made. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess relative gene expression for mRNA and miRNA pertaining to cell senescence, inflammation, and insulin resistance. miR-146a was found to have a significant difference (p < 0.05) in relative expression based on the interaction between age and treatment, while other genes showed no difference in relative expression. Furthermore, miR-149 was found to show near significance in interaction (p=0.0552) and had significant difference between old control and old D+Q treated mice. The miR-149 presents an avenue for future research in senescence markers and shows potential as a novel senolytic target.

Thesis Completion

2020

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Masternak, Michal M.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Medicine

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Degree Program

Biotechnology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Release Date

5-1-2023

Included in

Biotechnology Commons

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