β2-Microglobulin and the ageing brain.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) is traditionally viewed as a marker for immune activation, kidney function, and cancer prognosis.
• Emerging evidence suggests β2M actively influences brain aging processes, including neurogenesis, synaptic function, and cognitive performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a knowledge-mapping analysis of β2M research.
• To reframe β2M as a potential cross-context biomarker for the aging brain.
• To outline a research roadmap for investigating β2M's role in brain aging.

Main Methods:

• Knowledge-mapping analysis integrating keyword clustering, co-occurrence structure, and burst detection.
• Systematic review of existing literature on β2M across various research themes.

Main Results:

• β2M research is fragmented across themes like hematologic malignancy, systemic inflammation, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and neurodegeneration.
• The analysis supports reframing β2M as a biomarker candidate for the aging brain.
• A research roadmap is proposed to guide future investigations.

Conclusions:

• β2M's role in brain aging warrants further investigation to determine if it's a causal driver, aging signal, or modifier.
• Future research priorities include harmonized measurement, linking peripheral and central β2M, longitudinal brain aging endpoints, and incorporating lifestyle risk factors.