A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has provided new insights into how aging affects brain cells, revealing that not all cell types age at the same rate. Researchers used advanced genetic analysis tools to map the genetic activity of different cell types in the brains of young and aged mice.
The study found that certain cells, such as hormone-controlling cells, undergo more significant changes in their genetic activity with age. These cells are located in specific regions of the brain, including those surrounding the third ventricle, which plays a crucial role in regulating hormones that control basic bodily functions like temperature, heart rate, and sleep.
The researchers discovered that aging increases the activity of genes associated with the brain’s immune system and inflammatory response, as well as cells involved in blood vessel function. In contrast, aging decreases the activity of genes linked to neuronal circuits and glial cells that support neural signaling.
These findings have significant implications for our understanding of how aging affects the brain and may help develop new treatments for age-related brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. The study was published in Nature and builds on previous research using innovative brain mapping tools developed as part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/aging-may-change-some-brain-cells-more-others