Biological Benefit of the mCAT

Aging is associated with chronic diseases and is attributed to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs globally. Controversy exists over the root cause(s) of aging, nonetheless, extensive research links increased oxidants and reduced antioxidant buffering capacity with aging. The free radical theory of aging posits that the toxic build-up of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), promotes oxidative stress and enhances aging. Investigations involving the effect of mitochondrial-targeted catalase, have proven to be beneficial in reducing ROS and increasing lifespan in naturally aged mice. My project involves investigating the biological benefit of the mCAT transgene and rescue of age-related functional decline in progeroid Ercc1-/∆ mice, an accelerated mouse model of aging. mCAT expression was shown to be largely restricted to the brain, heart, and muscle of mice. mCAT+/-;Ercc1-/∆ mice showed improvements in behavioral tests and health evaluations relative to controls.