Scientists at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the effects of reducing calorie intake on brain aging. The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on the role of a gene called OXR1 in prolonging lifespan and promoting healthy brain aging.
Contrary to popular belief that dietary restriction primarily affects the digestive tract or fat storage, the research emphasizes its profound impact on the brain. The team’s experiments, conducted on fruit flies and human cells, reveal how reducing calories can delay aging and slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
The researchers identified a neuron-specific response that mediates the neuroprotective effects of dietary restriction. They suggest that strategies like intermittent fasting could enhance the levels of the OXR1 gene, thereby offering protection.
Buck Professor Lisa Ellerby, Ph.D., co-senior author of the study, describes this gene as an important factor in brain resilience, guarding against aging and neurological diseases.
The study began by examining approximately 200 strains of fruit flies on normal and restricted diets. Through this process, the team identified five genes with significant impacts on longevity under dietary restriction. Among these genes, the study focused on the mustard (mtd) gene in fruit flies and the Oxidation Resistance 1 (OXR1) gene in humans and mice.
OXR1 is known to protect cells from oxidative damage, and its absence in humans leads to severe neurological defects and premature death. Conversely, extra OXR1 in mice improves survival in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The study delved into the connection between OXR1 and the retromer, a protein complex critical for recycling cellular proteins and lipids. Dysfunctions in the retromer have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, conditions that can be mitigated by dietary restriction.
The researchers discovered that the mtd/OXR1 gene maintains the function of the retromer, which is necessary for neuronal health, brain aging, and lifespan extension under dietary restriction.
Kenneth Wilson, Ph.D., the first author of the study, explains that by eating fewer calories, individuals can enhance the mechanism of cellular protein sorting, leading to better brain health.
This research opens up new possibilities for enhancing aging and brain health. Increasing the levels of the OXR1 gene could potentially prolong lifespan and delay brain aging.
Furthermore, the study underlines the broader effects of diet on bodily processes, emphasizing the significance of healthy eating habits not only for physical health but also for brain health and longevity.
In conclusion, the study by scientists at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging sheds light on the influence of reducing calorie intake on brain aging. Through their research on fruit flies and human cells, they have identified the crucial role of the OXR1 gene in promoting healthy brain aging and delaying neurodegenerative diseases. This research paves the way for potential strategies to enhance this gene’s levels, offering new possibilities for extending lifespan and maintaining brain health. The study underscores the importance of healthy eating habits for overall well-being and longevity.
