HealthScience DailyScientists find a youth protein that helps aging brain cells act young again
Scientists have found that restoring a youth-linked protein called TIMP2 in older mice helped brain immune cells clear debris and reduce signs of aging.
Scientists have discovered that a protein linked to youth helps protect the brain’s immune cells from age-related decline. Restoring the protein in older mice improved the cells’ ability to clear debris and reduced signs of inflammation, raising hopes for future treatments targeting brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers published findings in Nature Communications showing the protein TIMP2 helps protect the brain's immune cells, called microglia, from age-related decline.
When TIMP2 was restored in the bloodstream of older mice, their microglia became better at removing cellular debris and showed fewer signs of harmful inflammation, the study found.
Scientists say the discovery identifies TIMP2 as a potentially important factor in maintaining healthy brain immunity and could inform future research into Alzheimer's disease.
The study found TIMP2 sits at the intersection of several brain processes critical for memory and learning, which researchers say could point toward future Alzheimer's treatments.
Five minutes for you
More from Cuppa
Scientists tested 39 sweeteners and uncovered surprising gut effectsA lab study found that about three-quarters of 39 common sweeteners altered gut bacteria, with one sweetener combined with an antidepressant producing particularly strong effects.
'Champi' seen entering PAR at super typhoon strengthSuper Typhoon Champi is forecast to enter the Philippines area of responsibility by Tuesday with winds up to 230 km/h, heading toward Taiwan.
Deadly fire breaks out at Canada military baseA deadly fire broke out at a busy Canadian military training base in Alberta, with casualties confirmed though numbers have not been released.
Deaths and injuries at Canada military base after 'incident' causes huge fireA serious incident sparked a major fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta, killing and injuring an unspecified number of personnel.
Japan to launch spacecraft on mission to get samples from Martian moonJapan has launched a spacecraft on a five-year mission to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars's two moons, in a world first.
NASA’s SpaceX launch lights up the sky with a giant glowing jellyfishA SpaceX rocket launch for NASA created a stunning jellyfish-shaped glow across the eastern US sky, while delivering supplies and experiments to the International Space Station.
Singapore’s west records season-high PSI of 230 as haze enters 14th daySingapore's western region hit a season-high air pollution reading of 230 on its 14th straight day of unhealthy air, the worst stretch since the 2015 haze crisis.
Japan to Launch Historic RoundA 71-year-old Florida man was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing at a lake near Orlando, the second fatal attack in the state this year.
What readers are saying