Protective gene Pla2g2f preserved memory in aging mice

Researchers at Mass General Brigham, Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Broad Institute identified Pla2g2f, a gene whose increased activity in aging mice protected against synapse loss, inflammation and disrupted lipid metabolism. The gene was expressed at higher levels in older adults with Alzheimer's pathology who remained cognitively resilient. The study appeared in Nature Neuroscience.

• Boosting Pla2g2f in middle-aged mice altered the trajectory of age-related memory loss
• Reducing the gene's activity worsened synapse loss, inflammation and fat droplet buildup
• Cognitively resilient older adults with Alzheimer's pathology showed higher gene expression
• Memory protection evidence so far comes only from animal experiments