Scientists from the University of Southern California in the US found that calorie restriction improves brain health and increases life expectancy by changing the functioning of a certain gene. Research results published In the journal Nature Communications.
To find out what mechanism underlies the neuroprotective and youth-preserving properties of restrictive diets, scientists examined the genomes of fruit flies of different genetic origins. From the moment they were born, insects adhered to one of two feeding patterns. The first group received a sufficient amount of calories, the second did not receive 10% of the norm.
Researchers identified five genes with specific variants that significantly affect lifespan during nutritional restriction. Two of these had counterparts in human genetics. The team selected a gene called mustard (mtd) in fruit flies (Oxidation Resistance 1 – OXR1 in humans and mice) for careful study.
To understand how this gene affects overall lifespan, the team performed a series of in-depth laboratory tests. Scientists discovered that OXR1 affects a complex called retromer. It is a set of proteins that are essential for the processing of cellular proteins and lipids. It is stated that retromer dysfunction is associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Researchers explained that calorie restriction increases OXR1 expression in cells. At the same time, the function of the retromer, which is associated with the protection of body cells (including neurons) from destruction, also improves. This mechanism provides higher life expectancy and mental clarity in old age.
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