Signe Hoei Rasmussen

Dr. Signe Hoei Rasmussen


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 July 2024 in Biomolecules
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Journal Article
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Ines Sanchez-RomanInes Sanchez-Roman
Ines Sanchez-Roman
BFBeatriz Ferrando
Beatriz Ferrando
CHCamilla Myrup Holst
Camilla Myrup Holst
JMJonas Mengel-From
Jonas Mengel-From
SRSigne Hoei Rasmussen
Signe Hoei Rasmussen
Tinna V. StevnsnerTinna V. Stevnsner
Tinna V. Stevnsner
Mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic instability are key hallmarks of aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether maintenance of physical capacities at very old age is associated with key hallmarks of aging. To investigate this, we measured mitochondrial bioenergetics, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and DNA repair capacity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from centenarians. In addition, circulating levels of NAD+/NADH, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and carbonylated proteins were measured in plasma and these parameters were correlated to physical capacities. Centenarians without physical disabilities had lower mitochondrial respiration values including ATP production, reserve capacity, maximal respiration and non-mitochondrial oxygen-consumption rate and had higher mtDNA copy number than centenarians with moderate and severe disabilities (p < 0.05). In centenarian females, grip strength had a positive association with mtDNA copy number (p < 0.05), and a borderline positive trend for activity of the central DNA repair enzyme, APE 1 (p = 0.075), while a negative trend was found with circulating protein carbonylation (p = 0.07) in the entire cohort. Lastly, a trend was observed for a negative association between BDNF and activity of daily living disability score (p = 0.06). Our results suggest that mechanisms involved in maintaining mitochondrial function and genomic stability may be associated with maintenance of physical function in centenarians.