soio7i2021 ‘Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mice ~ ScienceDaily ScienceDaily Your source for the latest research news Science News from research organizations Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mice Date: July 22, 2021 Source: University of Cambridge Summary: Scientists have successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice and say their discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent memory loss in people as they age. Shao: f WPDin | FULL STORY Neurons illustration (stock image), Credit: © onimate / stock.adobe.com Scientists at Cambridge and Leeds have successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice and say their discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent memory loss in people as they age. In a study published today in Molecular Psychiatry, the team show that changes in the extracellular matrix of the brain -- ‘scaffolding’ around nerve cells -- lead to loss of memory with ageing, but that itis possible to reverse these using genetic treatments, hitps:slwwu.sciencedally.comireleases/2021107/210722113052.him0107/2021 Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mie ~ ScienceDaily Recent evidence has emerged of the role of perineuronal nets (PNNs) in neuroplasticity ~- the ability of the brain to learn and adapt — and to make memories. PNNs are cartilage-like structures that mostly surround inhibitory neurons in the brain. Their main function is to control the level of plasticity in the brain. They appear at around five years old in humans, and tum off the period of enhanced plasticity during which the connections, in the brain are optimised. Then, plasticity is partially turned off, making the brain more efficient but less plastic. PNNs contain compounds known as chondroitin sulphates. Some of these, such as chondroitin 4-sulphate, inhibit the action of the networks, inhibiting neuroplasticity; others, such as chondroitin 6-sulphate, promote neuroplasticity. As we age, the balance of these compounds changes, and as levels of chondroitin 6-sulphate decrease, so our ability to lear and form new memories changes, leading to age-related memory decline. Researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of Leeds investigated whether manipulating the chondroitin sulphate composition of the PNNs might restore neuroplasticity and alleviate age-related memory deficits, To do this, the team looked at 20-month old mice -- considered very old -- and using a suite of tests showed that the mice exhibited deficits in their memory compared to six-month old mice. For example, one test involved seeing whether mice recognised an object, The mouse was placed at the start of a Y-shaped maze and left to explore two identical objects at the end of the two arms. After a short while, the mouse was once again placed in the maze, but this time one arm contained a new object, while the other contained a copy of the repeated object. The researchers measured the amount of the time the mouse spent exploring each object to see whether it had remembered the object from the previous task. The older mice Were much less likely to remember the object. The team treated the ageing mice using a ‘viral vector’, a virus capable of reconstituting the amount of 6= sulphate chondroitin sulphates to the PNNs and found that this completely restored memory in the older mice, toa level similar to that seen in the younger mice. Dr Jessica Kwok from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Leeds said: "We saw remarkable results when we treated the ageing mice with this treatment. The memory and ability to learn were restored to levels they would not have seen since they were much younger." To explore the role of chondroitin 6-sulphate in memory loss, the researchers bred mice that had been genetically-manipulated such that they were only able to produce low levels of the compound to mimic the changes of ageing. Even at 11 weeks, these mice showed signs of premature memory loss. However, increasing levels of chondroitin 6-sulphate using the viral vector restored their memory and plasticity to levels similar to healthy mice, Professor James Fawcett from the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair at the University of Cambridge said: "What is exciting about this is that although our study was only in mice, the same mechanism should ‘operate in humans ~- the molecules and structures in the human brain are the same as those in rodents. This suggests that it may be possible to prevent humans from developing memory loss in old age." ‘The team have already identified a potential drug, licensed for human use, that can be taken by mouth and inhibits the formation of PNNs. When this compound is given to mice and rats it can restore memory in ageing and also improves recovery in spinal cord injury. The researchers are investigating whether it might help alleviate memory loss in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. ‘The approach taken by Professor Fawcett's team ~ using viral vectors to deliver the treatment — is increasingly being used to treat human neurological conditions. A second team at the Centre recently published research showing their use for repairing damage caused by glaucoma and dementia, The study was funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Medical Research Council, European Research Couneil and the Czech Science Foundation, hitps:slwwu.sciencedally.comireleases/2021107/210722113052.him 215soio7i2021 ‘Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mice ~ ScienceDaily Story Source: Materials provided by University of Cambridge. The original story is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: 1. Sujeong Yang, Sylvain Gigout, Angelo Molinaro, Yuko Naito-Matsui, Sam Hilton, Simona Foscarin, Bart Nieuwenhuis, Chin Lik Tan, Joost Verhaagen, Tommaso Pizzorusso, Lisa M. Saksida, Timothy M. Bussey, Hiroshi Kitagawa, Jessica C. F. Kwok, James W. Fawcett. Chondroitin 6-sulphate is required for neuroplasticity and memory in ageing. Molecular Psychiatry, 2021; DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01208-9 Cite This Page: MLA APA Chicago University of Cambridge. "Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mice." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 July 2021. RELATED STORIES Memory Games: Eating Well to Remember Feb. 18, 2020 — A healthy diet is essential to living well, but should we change what we eat as we age? Researchers have found strong evidence of the link between food groups and memory loss and its comorbidities... 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