Biologists from the universities of Geneva and Lausanne have shown how to “wake up” sleeping nerve cells to increase
Neural stem cells are responsible for buildingbrain during embryonic development, producing all cells of the central nervous system, including neurons. These cells are most active early in life, but still persist in certain areas of the brain even after the brain is fully formed.
Neural stem cells can form newneurons throughout life. This biological phenomenon, adult neurogenesis, is important for certain functions such as learning and memory. However, in the adult brain, these stem cells become more silent or dormant and reduce their ability to renew and differentiate.
In a series of experiments on the brains of adult miceResearchers have found that the activity of neural stem cells is controlled by a protein complex called the mitochondrial pyruvate transporter (MPC). Its activity influences the metabolic options that a cell can use.
Growth of new neurons (red) under the microscope. Image: Knobloch Lab - UNIL
During the experiments, biologists blockedMPC activity in the mouse brain, using chemical inhibitors or genetic editing. In both cases, a change in the activity of the protein complex made it possible to control dormant neural stem cells. Scientists have been able to activate such cells, form new neurons in the brains of adults and even old mice.
The researchers note that by controlling cellularmetabolism, you can generate new neurons, restore brain function after injuries or neurodegenerative diseases. More research is needed on the possibility of using the method in humans.
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