Summary: Scientists are investigating the extraordinary longevity of neurons, which can survive for over 90 years, in a new research project.
This study aims to uncover the genetic and molecular mechanisms that enable neurons to live so long.
The findings could not only improve understanding of neural aging but also lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS.
This research aims to discover genetic factors behind neural longevity.
Receiving this grant now has enabled work at a crucial early stage.” About this neuroscience and longevity research news
In a recent study, researchers are looking into the remarkable long life span of neurons, which can last more than 90 years. The goal of this research is to understand the molecular and genetic processes that give neurons their long lifespan.
The discoveries may help us understand how the brain ages and may also result in new therapies for neurodegenerative illnesses like ALS and Parkinson’s. The study may go beyond neurons and provide information on how to prolong the lifespan of different kinds of cells.
Important Information:.
The reasons why neurons can survive for over 90 years are still unknown.
The purpose of this work is to identify the genetic components underlying neural longevity.
Treatments for age-related neurodegenerative diseases may result from these findings.
The Picower Institute at MIT is the source.
Although brain neurons are among the longest-living cells in the body, with an average lifespan of over 90 years, little is known about how they manage to survive.
With the support of a new Glenn Foundation Discovery Award, Myriam Heiman, the John and Dorothy Wilson Associate Professor of Neuroscience at MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, and her lab are planning a study that will build on earlier research that aims to identify the molecular and genetic underpinnings of neural longevity.
With regard to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ALS, and frontotemporal dementia, Heiman has long studied the mechanisms that render certain brain cells particularly vulnerable.
She explained that she became interested in studying aging and longevity in neurons at a more fundamental level after seeing the molecular markers of aging in such diseases.
“Mark R. Collins, President of the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research (GFMR), stated that the Glenn Foundation Discovery Award aims to support investigators who have not previously worked in the field of aging research, but whose research is relevant to understanding aging mechanisms and could lead to novel advances with significant potential to benefit human health and well-being.”.
With the help of the $525,000 grant over three years from GFMR and the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), Heiman’s lab will be able to test hypotheses objectively and rigorously in the mammalian nervous system in an effort to identify genes that contribute to neural longevity and potentially reverse the aging-related loss of nerve cells.
According to Heiman, a professor in MIT’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences department, “the mechanisms that underlie the exceptional longevity of nerve cells in our brain remain unclear.”.
Though they might be induced in other body cell types to lengthen the lifespan of the entire organism, if they were understood, they might also be targeted to restore nerve cell function in the context of aging and neurodegeneration. “.
Heiman expressed her sincere gratitude for the award, which will allow her to continue this research project with the support of her team.
According to Heiman, “AFAR and GFMR are the leading funders of new and innovative scientific research in the field of aging.”.
Their work is extremely important since it will pave the way for significant advancements in the treatment of a wide range of age-related illnesses by providing light on the basic scientific principles underlying aging. Getting this grant early has allowed work to begin at a critical early stage. “.
concerning this news on longevity and neuroscience.
