NUS Researchers Discover New Pathways for Reversing Brain Aging

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have identified two distinct biological pathways that could potentially slow or even reverse the effects of brain aging and neurodegeneration. As the human brain ages, its ability to produce new neurons declines because neural stem cells (NSCs) become dormant, a process closely linked to cognitive impairment.

A primary cause of this cellular "retirement" is the wearing down of telomeres—the protective caps on DNA—which prevents cells from dividing effectively. However, a team led by Assistant Professor Ong Sek Tong Derrick has discovered a protein called DMTF1 that acts as a molecular switch. This protein is abundant in young, healthy brains but fades with age. By artificially boosting DMTF1 in laboratory models, scientists were able to encourage dormant stem cells to grow and divide again, restoring the neuron production typically found in younger brains. Notably, DMTF1 achieves this by activating "helper" genes, Arid2 and Ss18, which bypass telomere damage to restore the biological cycle of neuron creation.

In a parallel breakthrough, Professor Brian Kennedy and his team at NUS Medicine investigated calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG), a naturally occurring molecule that declines as people age. Their research demonstrates that CaAKG can repair weakened signals between neurons and restore associative memory—a type of short-term memory often lost in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. By replenishing this molecule, researchers were able to restore communication deficits in brain cells affected by Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.

While these discoveries offer a "stronger foundation" for treating age-related cognitive decline, experts urge caution. The DMTF1 research is currently limited to lab and mouse models, and because the protein promotes cell growth, researchers must ensure that future treatments do not inadvertently trigger cancer tumors. Similarly, while CaAKG is already available in commercial supplements, Professor Kennedy notes that it is "premature" to prescribe it for Alzheimer's prevention until comprehensive human clinical trials are completed.

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🔖 Sources

Promising longevity molecule may help defend against Alzheimer’s disease: NUS Medicine study

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Scientists Have Discovered a Protein That Reverses Brain Aging in The Lab

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Keywords: Reversing Brain Aging

Reversing Brain Aging

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