OXR1, enhanced by dietary restriction, is key in delaying brain ageing. It supports the retromer, crucial for managing protein and lipid movement, thereby offering neuroprotection and aiding longevity.
January 2024 – Nature Communications
Key takeaways
- OXR1’s role in longevity: OXR1, a protein upregulated by dietary restriction, plays a critical role in extending lifespan by slowing down the process of brain ageing. This suggests that manipulating OXR1 levels could be a potential strategy for promoting longevity
- Retromer maintenance: OXR1 is essential for the stability and function of the retromer complex, which is responsible for the efficient transport of proteins and lipids within cells. This function of OXR1 is particularly important in the brain, where it ensures the proper functioning of neural cells, thereby contributing to brain health
- Neuroprotection and ageing: The study highlights the neuroprotective role of OXR1. By maintaining the retromer, OXR1 helps in preventing neurodegenerative changes associated with ageing. This indicates that enhancing OXR1 activity could be beneficial in combating age-related neurological disorders
The research highlights a significant connection between dietary restriction and brain health. Dietary restriction leads to an increase in OXR1, which in turn supports brain health by maintaining the retromer. This finding provides a molecular understanding of how lifestyle choices like diet can influence the aging process, particularly in the context of brain health.
Read the article at: Wilson, Kenneth A., et al. “OXR1 Maintains the Retromer to Delay Brain Aging under Dietary Restriction.” Nature Communications, vol. 15, no. 1, 2024, doi:10.1038/s41467-023-44343-3.