Transcriptome-wide analysis reveals GYG2 as a mitochondria-related aging biomarker in human subcutaneous adipose tissue

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), a vital energy reservoir and endocrine organ for maintaining systemic glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis, undergoes significant changes with age. However, among the existing aging-related markers, only few genes are associated with SAT aging. In this study, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used on a transcriptome of SAT obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression portal to identify biologically relevant, SAT-specific, and age-related marker genes. We found modules that exhibited significant changes with age and identified GYG2 as a novel key aging associated gene. The link between GYG2 and mitochondrial function as well as brown/beige adipocytes was supported using additional bioinformatics and experimental analyses. Additionally, we identified PPARG as the transcription factor of GYG2 expression. The newly discovered GYG2 marker can be used to not only determine the age of SAT but also uncover new mechanisms underlying SAT aging.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify aging-related marker genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). They identified GYG2 as a novel key aging associated gene and found links between GYG2 and mitochondrial function as well as brown/beige adipocytes. They also identified PPARG as the transcription factor of GYG2 expression. These findings are important for determining the age of SAT and uncovering new mechanisms underlying SAT aging.