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Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center have discovered that if you turn off a special signaling molecule, it forms in the brain significantly more neurons. In tests for spatial old mice without Dickkopf-1 showed orientation and memory the same level of mental activity as young individuals. The problem of brain aging is associated with disruption hippocampus – the structure of the brain that processes information. Hippocampal performance depends on the formation of new neurons. In old age, when the production of new neurons decreases sharply, memory impairment begins to appear, decrease learning abilities and orientation in space. Nervous hippocampal stem cells are responsible for continuous supply of new neurons. Certain molecules near these stem cells “decide” in which specific specialized cells brain cells will differentiate: neurons or astrocytes. Molecules can also leave stem cells in a state of rest. One of these molecules is the signal Wnt molecule, which promotes the formation of young neurons. Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center have discovered that Wnt’s molecular counterpart, Dickkopf-1, can prevent the hippocampus from updating. Scientists tested their assumptions in mice with the disabled gene responsible for production of Dickkopf-1. The difference was significant: in mice without Dickkopf-1 had 80% more neurons than their equal age counterparts without any gene modifications. Also thanks disabling Dickkopf-1, active mice formed in the brain of mice neurons with powerful processes, not “stunted” senile. Surprisingly, in tests for spatial orientation and memory old mice without Dickkopf-1 showed the same high level mental activity, like young mice. In tests for memory and spatial orientation of genetically modified mice without Dickkopf-1 molecules have shown comparable results with the results of young individuals. Scientists are encouraged by their discovery – it really can be a powerful tool in the fight against brain aging. You don’t even need intervention in genome – drugs are currently being tested, which block Dickkopf-1.
