By manipulating the hypothalamus- a small almond shaped part of the brain that controls most of the basic life functions- in mice, researchers have managed to lengthen and shorten the lifespan of mice. This reveals new drug targets that may delay the onset of age-related disease.
Mice were given gene therapy: one group to inhibit NF-kB- a protein complex that becomes more active in older mice (these lived to 1100 days); one group to activate NF-kB (these lived to 900 days); one group to age naturally (these lived to 600-1000 days). The mice that lived the longest also maintained mentally and physically fit for longer- the mice were given cognitive tests against a control and the longest lived mice performed best.
Post-mortem examinations in the longest living mice (with inhibited NF-kB) showed that they had many chemical and physical qualities of younger mice. Further investigations showed that NF-kB reduces the level of GnRH ( a chemical produced in the hypothalamus) which regulates puberty and fertility. Mice injected with GnRH resulted in new neurones in the brain and they lived longer too, with similar lifespans to that of mice with inhibited NF-kB. When injected directly into the hypothalamus, it influenced other brain regions.
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