Aging may change some brain cells more than others

Press release

Thursday, January 2, 2020

An NIH-funded mouse study provides a road map for how aging can alter the genetic activity of brain cells.

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NIH-funded study in mice using advanced genetic techniques to map the aging susceptibility of different brain cell types.The Allen Institute in Seattle

Scientists have discovered that, based on the results of new brain mapping studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), not all brain cell types age in the same way. The researchers found that some cells, such as a group of cells that control hormones, may undergo more significant age-related genetic changes than others. These findings were published in NatureSupporting the idea that some cells are more susceptible to aging and aging-associated brain disorders than others.

The most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders is aging. Dr. Richard J. Hodes is the director of the NIH's National Institute on Aging. These findings show which brain cells are most likely to be affected by aging. This new map could fundamentally change how scientists view the impact of aging on the brain. It could also be a useful guide for developing new treatments for age-related diseases.

The researchers used sophisticated genetic tools to individually examine brain cells from "young" mice, aged 2 months, and "old" mice, aged 18 months. The researchers analyzed gene activity in a wide range of cell types located in 16 major areas of the mouse brain.

The initial results, like previous studies, showed a decline in gene activity associated with neural circuits. The decreases in activity were observed in neurons (primary circuit cells), as well as in "glial cells" called oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, which are capable of supporting neuronal signaling by controlling neurotransmitter concentrations and electrically insulating nerve fibers. Aging increased the activity of genes related to the brain's immune and inflammatory systems, as well as to the brain's blood vessels.

The results of the analysis revealed which cells are most sensitive to aging. The findings showed, for example, that the aging process reduces the growth of new neurons in three parts of the human brain. Some of these new neurons could play a role in circuits that control certain forms of memory and learning, while others could help mice recognize different odors.

The cells most sensitive to aging were located around the third ventricle. This is a large conduit that allows cerebrospinal fluid to flow into the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the mouse brain and produces hormones that can regulate the body's basic needs. These include temperature, heart rate, sleep, hunger, thirst, and thirst. The results showed that cells in the third ventricle of the mouse brain and nearby neurons in the hypothalamus showed the most changes in their genetic activity with age. These changes included an increase in genes related to immunity and a decrease in genes related to neuronal wiring.

These findings are consistent with previous animal studies that have shown a link between body metabolism and aging. This includes the finding that intermittent fasting or other calorie-restricted diets can extend lifespan. Age-sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus are responsible for producing hormones that regulate energy and nutrition, while cells lining the ventricles control the hormones and nutrients that circulate between the brain and body. Further research is needed to investigate the biological mechanisms behind these findings and to look for possible links to human health.

Kelly Jin, Bosiljka Tasic, and Hongkui Zang, all PhDs, were the project leaders. Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle. The scientists used tools developed for the Brain Mapping Project. Brain Research Initiative through the Advancement of Innovative Neurotechnologies (r) from NIH (BRAIN). – Cellular census network Study of more than 1.2 million brain cells (approximately 1 % of the total) from mice of all ages. Scientists have been studying the effects of aging on the brain for years, primarily one cell at a time. John Ngai, Ph.D., is the director of the BRAIN Initiative. He said researchers are now able to study the effects of aging on the brain as a whole, thanks to the NIH's innovative BRAIN Initiative mapping tools. This study showed that by examining the entire brain, scientists can gain new insights into how brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders can interfere with normal aging.

The study was funded by grants from the NIH

R01AG066027 You can also learn more about the following: U19MH114830 .The following site provides data on the study:

https://assets.nemoarchive.org/dat-61kfys3 .The National Institute on Aging

The NIA is the lead agency in the U.S. federal government for conducting and supporting research related to aging and the health and well-being of older adults. The NIA provides a wealth of information on age-related changes in cognition and neurodegenerative diseases.Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) website. You will find information on a wide range of topics related to aging on the NIA's main website.English You can also learn more about the following: Spanish “ Stay connected .The BRAIN Initiative

(r)A multidisciplinary collaboration betweenTen NIH Institutes and Centers The BRAIN Initiative(r) is uniquely positioned to make cross-disciplinary discoveries in neuroscience that will revolutionize how we understand the brain. The BRAIN Initiative(r) accelerates the development and use of neurotechnologies to enable researchers to gain unprecedented insights into the brain in health and disease. This will improve how we prevent and treat brain disorders. The BRAIN Initiative is a network of multidisciplinary federal and non-federal partners whose current research portfolios and missions complement the goals of The BRAIN Initiative.The National Institutes of Health:

The NIH is the medical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It includes 27 institutes and centers. The NIH, the nation's medical research agency, is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for conducting basic, translational, clinical, and other medical research. Visit the NIH for more information about its programs. www.nih.gov .NIH…Turning Discovery Into Healthcare

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