Detection of aging genes in the human brain

Can scientists someday slow down the aging process of the brain and prevent some diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's? This is entirely possible - at least when the genetic code involved in neurodegeneration is elucidated.

According to a new study published in the journal Neuroscience, a research group from the University of Montréal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have achieved an important step in recognizing control genes. Common aging process and pathology of neurons in the central nervous system: Bmi1 .

(Image: Dailygalaxy) The first risk factor for diseases like degeneration, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is age . Although many researchers have sought to understand the genetic and pathophysiological factors of these diseases, very few studies have focused on the fundamental molecular mechanisms that control neurological aging.

Dr. Gilbert Bernier, of the University of de Montréal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, directed the team to identify a mutation in mice that dramatically accelerates the aging process in the brain and eyes. The new study shows that neurons in the retina and cortex need a gene called Bmi1 to block p53 activation and the accumulation of free radicals .

Dr. Bernier said: ' We have determined that the Bmi1 gene is a gene that directly regulates cellular aging in the brain and mammalian nerve neurons .'

The article is a study of Dr. Gilbert Bernier in collaboration with Mohammed Abdouh, Jocelyn David, Marie-Pier Champagne, José Ferreira of the University of Mont Montéé and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, with Francis Rodier from Lawrence Berkeleym National Laboratory , San Francisco, USA.

Reference :

Chatoo et al. The Polycomb Group Gene Bmi1 Regulates Antioxidant Defenses in Neurons by Repressing p53 Pro-Oxidant Activity. Journal of Neuroscience, 2009; 29 (2): 529 DOI: 10.1523 / JNEUROSCI.5303-08.2009