Abstract
Aging impairs the regenerative capacity of musculoskeletal tissues and is associated with poor healing outcomes. PolgAD257A/D257A (PolgA) mice present a premature aging phenotype due to the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations at rates 3 – 5 fold higher compared to wild type mice. Consequently, PolgA mice exhibit the premature onset of clinically-relevant musculoskeletal aging characteristics including frailty, osteo-sarcopenia, and kyphosis. I will present our recent findings on the use of PolgA mice to investigate the effects of aging on the regenerative capacity of bone. In particular, I will focus on the mechano-sensitivity of the regenerative process in aged bone environments and the opportunities it presents for clinical translation of mechanical intervention therapies.
