Plp1: Unlocking Cognitive Power
Researchers found a gene in mice that rejuvenates female brains . The same gene exists in humans, offering hope for cognitive health improvements in old age.
Study Published in Science Advances alongside two other studies on:
- Hormone therapy effects on women's brains .
- Menopause onset and Alzheimer's risk .
Women's Brains Age Slower Than Men's
- Prior evidence suggests female brains resist aging better than male brains.
- Researchers examined the X chromosome as the key differentiator.
Role of the X Chromosome
- Females have two X chromosomes , while males have one X and one Y .
- Normally, one X chromosome in females shuts down during pregnancy .
- In aging female mice, the inactive X chromosome "woke up" in the hippocampus (the brain’s memory center).
What is Plp1?
- Plp1 (Proteolipid Protein 1) is a crucial gene responsible for myelin formation in the central nervous system, aiding neuronal communication and cognitive function .
Plp1 Gene & Cognitive Boost
- Plp1 gene was identified as the reason for better memory in females.
- Gene therapy was used to introduce Plp1 into the hippocampus of
male mice:
- Result: Improved memory & cognitive functions .
- When given to female mice (which already produce Plp1), their memory and cognition further improved .
Relevance for Humans
- Since mice and humans share similar brain aging patterns , findings may be applicable to human cognitive therapies .
- This could lead to new treatments for age-related cognitive decline in both men and women.
