Polymorphism in Murine mtATP8 Gene Correlates with Decreased Reactive Oxygen Species in Aging Hematopoietic Cells

BACKGROUND Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes for the respiratory chain proteins. Genetic alterations in mtDNA have been described during aging and linked to impaired hematopoiesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated two novel conplastic mouse strains harboring a mitochondrial nt7778 G/T polymorphism leading to an amino acid exchange in respiratory chain complex V. Effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, as well as bone marrow composition and peripheral blood counts, were investigated during aging (up to 24 month). RESULTS The polymorphism correlated with significantly decreased ROS levels in aged mice. Effects on hematopoiesis were marginal and not statistically significant: numbers of erythroid cells in bone marrow, as well as mean corpuscular hemoglobin, tended to decrease over time. CONCLUSION The investigated polymorphism is associated with decreased ROS levels in aged hematopoietic cells but does not significantly influence hematopoiesis itself.