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Published on: October 20, 2022
New Neurons in Aging Brains: Molecular Control by Small Non-Coding RNAs
Marijn Schouten1, M Renate Buijink, Paul J Lucassen
1Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|February 25, 2012
Summary
Aging impairs adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, affecting cell proliferation and differentiation but not synaptogenesis. Small non-coding RNAs and steroid hormones may influence these age-related cognitive changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Adult neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, occurs in specific brain regions like the hippocampus.
- Aging leads to decreased neurogenesis and cognitive decline, though neuron synaptogenesis is less affected.
- Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and steroid hormones are implicated in regulating gene expression and brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of small non-coding RNAs in regulating adult neurogenesis.
- To explore how aging differentially affects neurogenesis processes.
- To discuss the interplay between ncRNAs, steroid hormones, and age-related cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on adult neurogenesis, aging, small non-coding RNAs (including microRNAs), and steroid hormones.
- Analysis of studies investigating gene expression modulators in the hippocampus.
- Synthesis of research linking hormonal changes to neurogenesis and cognition.
Main Results:
- Aging differentially impacts adult neurogenesis, reducing proliferation and differentiation while minimally affecting synaptogenesis.
- Small non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, are differentially expressed in the aging hippocampus and fine-tune neurogenesis.
- Changes in circulating steroid hormones correlate with altered neurogenesis, cognitive decline, and psychopathology in aging.
Conclusions:
- Small non-coding RNAs are key regulators of adult neurogenesis and potential mediators of age-related cognitive alterations.
- Steroid hormones and microRNAs may interact to influence cognitive decline in aging individuals.
- Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for addressing age-associated cognitive impairment.
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