Scientists restore a brain protein and reverse signs of aging in mice

Scientists found that declining levels of the brain protein Menin may help drive aging, with lower levels in mice linked to inflammation, cognitive decline, weaker bones, and thinner skin. Restoring Menin reversed several age-related changes, while the amino acid D-serine improved cognition, hinting at a potentially intriguing new target for healthy aging. Scientists restore a brain protein and reverse signs of aging in mice.

Scientists restore a brain protein and reverse signs of aging in mice Science News from research organizations Scientists restore a brain protein and reverse signs of aging in mice A declining brain protein may help drive aging, and restoring its pathway partially reversed age-related changes in mice. Yet experiments in mice suggest that changes in a protein deep inside the brain can influence all three. Restoring that protein, called Menin, improved several signs of aging, while a separate treatment with the amino acid D-serine improved cognition.

The findings came from a study published on March 16, 2023, in the open access journal PLOS Biology, led by Lige Leng of Xiamen University in Xiamen, China, and colleagues. The work identified a possible connection between brain inflammation, metabolism, and aging throughout the body. Research published since then has added to that picture, while also showing why the supplement findings require careful interpretation.