OXR1 Gene Key Role in Brain Aging and Lifespan Extension Revealed by Buck Institute Researchers”
Researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing in California have uncovered the pivotal role of the OXR1 gene in healthy brain aging and the extended lifespan associated with dietary restriction. The study, published in Nature Communications, emphasizes OXR1 as a crucial factor for brain resilience against aging and neurological diseases.
OXR1 Gene
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The gene, OXR1, plays a more significant role in brain health than commonly perceived, especially concerning dietary habits. The team, utilizing fruit flies and human cells, elucidated the cellular mechanism behind how dietary restriction can slow aging and mitigate neurodegenerative diseases. The findings not only shed light on the significance of the OXR1 gene but also present potential therapeutic targets for age-related neurological conditions.
Kenneth Wilson, a postdoctoral student at the Institute, highlighted the unexpected impact of dietary restriction on the brain. The study discovered a neuron-specific response that underlies the neuroprotection observed with dietary restriction. Strategies like intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, which limit nutrients, may elevate OXR1 levels, mediating protective effects against aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
The research began with an analysis of around 200 fly strains with diverse genetic backgrounds, raised under normal or restricted diets. The absence of OXR1 in humans was linked to severe neurological defects and premature death. In mice, increased OXR1 levels enhanced survival in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model.
Further investigations revealed OXR1’s impact on the retromer, a protein complex vital for recycling cellular proteins and lipids. Dysfunctions in the retromer have been associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases protected by dietary restriction, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
OXR1, by preserving retromer function, proves essential for neuronal function, healthy brain aging, and the extended lifespan observed with dietary restriction. The study underscores the intricate interplay between genes, diet, and brain health, suggesting that eating less enhances cellular mechanisms responsible for proper protein sorting, ultimately promoting healthier aging.
