Newswise — AURORA, Colo. (July 25, 2023) –Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have made a significant discovery related to the cognitive decline observed in normal aging. The central mechanism responsible for this decline appears to be associated with the mis-regulation of a brain protein called CaMKII, which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. The study's co-senior author, Ulli Bayer, PhD, who is a professor of pharmacology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of this finding by stating that it opens up possibilities for specific pharmacological treatment strategies.
The study, recently published in the journal "Science Signaling," utilized mouse models to demonstrate that manipulating the CaMKII brain protein led to similar cognitive effects as those observed during the natural aging process. This finding sheds new light on the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline and offers potential avenues for targeted interventions in the future.
According to Bayer's findings, both mice and humans experience a reduction in a process called S-nitrosylation as they age. This process involves the modification of specific brain proteins, including CaMKII. The study reveals that a decrease in S-nitrosylation of CaMKII alone is enough to cause impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory similar to those observed during aging.
In the context of normal aging, the body's level of nitric oxide decreases, leading to reduced nitrosylation. This, in turn, negatively affects memory and learning abilities, as stated in the study.
Bayer highlights the significance of this research, as it paves the way for potential drug development and therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring the nitrosylation of the protein. By doing so, it may be possible to address or delay the cognitive decline associated with normal aging for an unspecified period.
However, it's crucial to note that this approach would likely be effective for age-related cognitive decline and not for the decline seen in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Bayer is optimistic about the possibility of targeting this protein pharmacologically to achieve the desired effects, marking it as the next logical step in further research and potential treatment options.
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