AI Article Synopsis
- The vasculature in the adult brain influences how neural stem cells behave by supplying essential factors, which is crucial for neurogenesis and cognitive function.
- Age-related decreases in blood flow and neural stem cell numbers contribute to declines in neurogenesis and cognitive abilities.
- Young blood factors can improve brain blood vessels and neurogenesis, with GDF11 showing promise for enhancing these effects, potentially leading to new treatments for age-related brain diseases.
Article Abstract
In the adult central nervous system, the vasculature of the neurogenic niche regulates neural stem cell behavior by providing circulating and secreted factors. Age-related decline of neurogenesis and cognitive function is associated with reduced blood flow and decreased numbers of neural stem cells. Therefore, restoring the functionality of the niche should counteract some of the negative effects of aging. We show that factors found in young blood induce vascular remodeling, culminating in increased neurogenesis and improved olfactory discrimination in aging mice. Further, we show that GDF11 alone can improve the cerebral vasculature and enhance neurogenesis. The identification of factors that slow the age-dependent deterioration of the neurogenic niche in mice may constitute the basis for new methods of treating age-related neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases.
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Source |
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4123747 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1251141 | DOI Listing |
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