Researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have made a groundbreaking discovery about ketone bodies, which are produced by the body during fasting to provide fuel. The study reveals that ketone bodies play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes and aging mechanisms beyond energy production.
According to the researchers, ketone bodies can affect brain function in aging and Alzheimer’s disease by interacting with misfolded proteins, making them insoluble and allowing them to be cleared from the brain through autophagy. This discovery challenges previous theories that suggested improvements in brain health and cognition were caused by increased energy or reduced inflammation.
The study, published in Cell Chemical Biology, used mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and aging, as well as nematode worms, to demonstrate the effects of ketone bodies on protein quality control in the brain. The researchers found that β-hydroxybutyrate, a type of ketone body, interacted directly with misfolded proteins, altering their solubility and structure.
Senior author John Newman said, “This is not just about ketone bodies. We tested similar metabolites in test tubes and some had similar effects. It’s beautiful to imagine that changing metabolism results in this symphony of molecules cooperating together to improve brain function.”
The study highlights a new form of metabolic regulation of protein quality control and has significant implications for the treatment of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers believe that manipulating ketone bodies could lead to improved clearance of damaged proteins, potentially improving brain health.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans, this study provides a promising avenue for exploring the potential therapeutic applications of ketone bodies in treating brain disorders.
Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241203/Ketone-metabolism-redefines-protein-quality-control-in-aging-brains.aspx