Reversing Age-Related Memory Loss Through Protein Blockage
A groundbreaking study, published in Nature Aging, has shed light on the potential for improving age-related cognitive decline. The research, titled "Targeting iron-associated protein Ftl1 in the brain of old mice improves age-related cognitive impairment", was authored by Levi Gadye and conducted at UCSF.
The study found that ferritin light chain 1 (FTL1) is a pro-aging neuronal factor that impairs cognition. In aged mice, an increase in neuronal FTL1 in the hippocampus was detected, which correlates with cognitive decline.
To combat this, the researchers focused on boosting metabolic functions through NADH supplementation. This strategy mitigated the pro-aging effects of neuronal FTL1 on cognition. The researchers also used neuronal nuclei RNA sequencing and found changes in metabolic processes, such as ATP synthesis.
The research further revealed that targeting neuronal FTL1 in the hippocampi of aged mice improves synaptic-related molecular changes and cognitive impairments. The FTL1 inhibitor being studied at UC San Francisco in mice for potential improvement of age-related cognitive decline is called "FT111".
This research offers a promising avenue for future studies on age-related cognitive decline and could potentially lead to the development of effective treatments.
