Scientists have discovered that the APOE2 variant of the APOE gene plays a crucial role in protecting brain cells against ageing. This gene helps neurons, the nerve cells in the brain, to repair damage to their DNA. DNA is the hereditary material that keeps cells healthy and functioning properly.
Normally, the APOE gene is mainly associated with fat metabolism in the body. The new study shows that APOE2 primarily contributes to the maintenance of genetic integrity, in other words protecting DNA against damage. This helps cells to remain healthy for longer and prevents them from entering a kind of old age stage, which is also known as cellular senescence.
This discovery could have major implications for understanding the ageing process of the brain. By mimicking the action of the APOE2 gene, new treatments could be developed to combat diseases such as Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a disease in which brain cells gradually die off, leading to memory loss and other cognitive problems.
For older people, this knowledge could mean that in the future there will be more opportunities to slow down the brain's ageing process. After all, maintaining healthy brain function is important in order to remain independent and vital for longer.
Source: Neuroscience News
