Andy’s Quick Hits (157): Old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice

You may or may not be aware that part of the ageing process, or problems with ageing, are so-called senescent cells. These are cells which have become arrested — part dead in effect. They are not dead so are no cleared out, but cease to function, almost in limbo between live and dead.

In this study researchers showed that by destroying senescent cells in the stem cell niche, neurogenesis was enhanced in the hippocampus. The hippocampus being essential for many memory and navigational functions. This shows that the senescent cells are blocking the production of new brain cells, and this is thereby one mechanism in which neurodegeneration can occur and accumulate over our lifetimes.

Senescence has long been known to have been a mechanism of ageing and hence also a focus of anti-aging research. Of note is that quercetin, a compound found in apple skin, amongst others, has been shown to have a cleansing effect on senescent cells. More apples anyone?

Reference:
Michael P. Fatt, Lina M. Tran, Gisella Vetere, Mekayla A. Storer, Jaclin V. Simonetta, Freda D. Miller, Paul W. Frankland, David R. Kaplan.
Restoration of hippocampal neural precursor function by ablation of senescent cells in the aging stem cell niche.
Stem Cell Reports, 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.010

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Andy is author of leading brains Review a monthly e-magazine on all things the brain, behaviour, and business.