Virginia Tech Researchers Reverse Age-Related Memory Decline by Targeting Molecular Changes in Brain
By
stevenjgarner
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Summary
Virginia Tech researchers conducted two studies on age-related memory decline, focusing on molecular changes in the brain. The first study examined K63 polyubiquitination, a molecular tagging system that regulates protein behavior in brain cells. Researchers found that aging disrupts this process in two key brain regions: the hippocampus (involved in memory formation and retrieval) and the amygdala (involved in emotional memory). The second study investigated how aging affects protein synthesis in the hippocampus, finding that older brains have reduced protein production necessary for memory formation. Both studies successfully reversed these age-related molecular changes in animal models, resulting in improved memory function.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledWhen the system functions normally, it helps brain cells communicate and form memories.
Jarome and his team found that aging disrupts K63 polyubiquitination in two distinct areas of the brain.
In the hippocampus, which helps form and retrieve memories, levels of K63 polyubiquitination were significantly reduced.
In the amygdala, which is involved in emotional memory, the process was overactive.
The second study, published in Aging Cell and led by Jarome and doctoral student Rachel Walker, examined how aging affects protein synthesis in the hippocampus.
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