Genome-wide transcript and protein analysis reveals distinct features of aging in the mouse heart

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related changes in the heart is challenging due to the contributions from numerous genetic and environmental factors. Genetically diverse outbred mice provide a model to study the genetic regulation of aging processes in healthy tissues from individuals undergoing natural aging in a controlled environment. We analyzed transcriptome and proteome data from outbred mice at 6, 12 and 18 months of age to reveal a scenario of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and reemergence of fetal gene expression patterns. We observed widespread changes in protein trafficking and sorting, and post-translational disruption of the stoichiometry of the protein quality control system itself. We identified genome hotspots of age-by-genetic effects that regulate proteins from the proteasome and endoplasmic reticulum stress response, suggesting that genetic variation in these modules may contribute to individual variation in the aging heart.