Spermidine-induced hypusination preserves mitochondrial and cognitive function during aging
Sebastian J Hofer1,2,3, YongTian Liang4, Andreas Zimmermann1,2,3
1Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Abstract:
Spermidine is a natural polyamine, central to cellular homeostasis and growth, that promotes macroautophagy/autophagy. The polyamine pathway is highly conserved from bacteria to mammals and spermidine (prominently found in some kinds of aged cheese, wheat germs, nuts, soybeans, and fermented products thereof, among others) is an intrinsic part of the human diet. Apart from nutrition, spermidine is available to mammalian organisms from intracellular biosynthesis and microbial production in the gut. Importantly, externally supplied spermidine (via drinking water or food) prolongs lifespan, activates autophagy, improves mitochondrial function, and refills polyamine pools that decline during aging in various tissues of model organisms, including mice. In two adjacent studies, we explored how dietary spermidine supplementation enhances eEF5/EIF5A hypusination, cerebral mitochondrial function and cognition in aging Drosophila melanogaster and mice.
Insights
Dietary spermidine supplementation, found in foods like wheat germ and nuts, extends lifespan and improves brain function in aging fruit flies and mice by boosting cellular repair processes.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- Spermidine, a natural polyamine, is vital for cellular homeostasis and promotes autophagy.
- Dietary sources include aged cheese, wheat germ, nuts, and fermented foods.
- Spermidine levels decline with age, impacting cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary spermidine supplementation on aging models.
- To explore spermidine's impact on eEF5/EIF5A hypusination and cerebral mitochondrial function.
- To assess spermidine's influence on cognitive function in aging organisms.
Main Methods:
- Supplementation of drinking water with spermidine in aging *Drosophila melanogaster* and mice.
- Analysis of eEF5/EIF5A hypusination levels.
- Assessment of cerebral mitochondrial function.
- Cognitive performance tests.
Main Results:
- Dietary spermidine enhanced eEF5/EIF5A hypusination in both fruit flies and mice.
- Improved mitochondrial function in the brains of aging mice.
- Positive effects on cognitive function observed in aging models.
Conclusions:
- Dietary spermidine supplementation is a promising strategy to counteract age-related decline.
- Spermidine enhances key cellular processes, including autophagy and mitochondrial function.
- Further research into spermidine's therapeutic potential for aging is warranted.
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