Bcl-xL overexpression in T cells preserves muscle mitochondrial structure and function and prevents frailty in old mice

Fecha de publicación: 19/03/2025 Fecha Ahead of Print: 19/03/2025

Grupos y Plataformas de I+D+i

• Grupo de Investigación en Anestesiología y Reanimación

  

  Leading Researcher

  Rafael Badenes Quiles

• Grupo de Investigación en Envejecimiento Saludable

  

  Leading Researcher

  Consuelo Borras Blasco

• Grupo de investigación en envejecimiento y ejercicio físico

  

  Leading Researcher

  Jose Viña Ribes

Abstract

Our previous transcriptomic analysis revealed an up-regulation of the antiapoptotic protein B cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) in centenarians relative to octogenarians or younger cohorts. In this study, we used Bcl-xL-overexpressing mice to assess its impact on successful aging. Our findings indicate that Bcl-xL overexpression modifies T cell subsets and improves their metabolism, apoptosis resistance, macroautophagy, and cytokine production during aging. This more resilient immune system reduces inflammation and preserves mitochondrial integrity and function in muscle tissue, thereby retarding the onset of frailty. These results underscore the important contribution of Bcl-xL to healthy aging, a phenomenon that is conserved across mammalian species.