Nirjala Patel, “Photobiomodulation and Mitochondrial Gene Expression in Aging”
Mentor: Elizabeth Liedhegner, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences & Health Care Administration (School of)
Poster #119
As individuals age, their metabolism tends to decline, partly due to the reduced function of mitochondria, the cellular structures responsible for energy production. This dysfunction can lead to issues such as decreased energy levels and increased cellular stress. This study investigates whether photobiomodulation (PBM), a treatment involving red and near-infrared light, can preserve mitochondria and thus improve metabolism in aging mice. PBM works by penetrating tissues and interacting with a mitochondrial protein called cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction enhances mitochondrial function, promoting ATP production, reducing cellular stress, and improving overall cell health. To test this, 11-month-old mice were treated with 670nm red light for four weeks, receiving treatment for three minutes, five times a week. A control group of mice underwent the same handling but did not receive the light treatment. After four weeks, retinal function was assessed using electroretinography (ERG), a test that measures the retina’s response to light. The results demonstrated that the PBM-treated mice had better retinal function compared to the untreated group. To explore the genetic impact of PBM on aging, we are analyzing gene expressions in several tissues, including the brain, liver, kidney, heart and retina. We are particularly focusing on genes related to mitochondrial health, energy production, and stress regulation. RNA will be extracted from these tissues and analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure gene expression. We hypothesize that the PBM treated mice will show increased expression of genes associated with mitochondrial function compared to sham controls, suggesting that red light therapy may help mitigate age related declines in metabolism and cellular health.