Chinese scientists have identified the effect of menin levels in the hypothalamus on the rate of aging.It's a protein that's
The researchers found that menin levels in the hypothalamus, but not in astrocytes or microglia, decline with age.To study the effects of this protein on aging, the researchers engineered mice in which the activity of a gene associated with menin could be blocked.
They found that lower protein levels inin young mice were associated with increased hypothalamic neuroinflammation and signs of aging such as decreased bone density and skin thickness, cognitive decline, and a modest reduction in lifespan. In addition, the researchers found a drop in the level of the neurotransmitter D-serine.
To check if the process can be reversedand restore impaired function, the researchers delivered the menin production gene to the hypothalamus of aged (20-month-old) mice. 30 days later, they found a reduction in skin thickness and a change in bone structure, as well as improved learning, cognition, and balance. The changes correlated with an increase in the level of D-serine in the hippocampus.
The researchers note that similar changes in cognitive functioning were also observed after three weeks of supplementation with D-serine in experimental mice.
We hypothesize that a decrease in menin expression inhypothalamus may be one of the drivers of aging with age, and menin may be a key protein linking genetic, inflammatory, and metabolic factors of aging. D-serine is a potentially promising drug for cognitive decline.
Lige Leng, study co-author at Xiamen University
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