Discovery of Brain Protein Menin Offers New Insights into Aging and Cognitive Decline
Researchers find a protein that halts brain decline

Image: The Indian Express
Research from Xiamen University reveals that declining levels of the brain protein Menin are linked to age-related cognitive decline and inflammation. Restoring Menin in mice reversed aging signs, while the amino acid D-serine, crucial for memory, also decreased with Menin loss, highlighting potential dietary interventions.
- 01Menin levels decline in the hypothalamus as mice age, particularly in neurons linked to metabolism.
- 02Restoring Menin reversed several aging signs in mice, including cognitive decline and inflammation.
- 03D-serine, an amino acid important for memory, also decreased when Menin levels fell, indicating a link between the two.
- 04D-serine is found in foods like soybeans, eggs, fish, and nuts, and is available as a dietary supplement.
- 05The hypothalamus is increasingly viewed as a central regulator of aging processes.
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A recent study published in PLOS Biology by researchers from Xiamen University has identified the protein Menin as a key factor in the aging process. The research indicates that lower levels of Menin in the hypothalamus can lead to inflammation, cognitive decline, and other age-related changes. Experiments conducted on mice demonstrated that restoring Menin levels not only reversed signs of aging but also improved cognitive function. The study highlights the hypothalamus's role as a central command center for aging, with Menin acting as a protective factor against age-related decline. Additionally, the amino acid D-serine, crucial for neuron communication and memory, was found to decrease alongside Menin levels. This connection suggests that dietary sources of D-serine, such as soybeans and fish, could play a role in mitigating cognitive decline associated with aging. Overall, these findings open new avenues for understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and potential interventions.
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The discovery of Menin's role in aging could lead to new dietary recommendations and supplements to enhance cognitive health in aging populations.
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