West LA Times

A recent study has revealed that scientists can reverse brain aging in fruit flies by preventing the buildup of a protein called filamentous actin, or F-actin. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that F-actin buildup inhibits the removal of cellular wastes such as DNA, lipids, proteins, and organelles. This accumulation diminishes neuronal functions and contributes to cognitive decline.

The research team led by Edward (Ted) Schmid at David Walker’s lab discovered that tweaking specific genes in the neurons of aging fruit flies prevented F-actin buildup. This genetic intervention maintained cellular recycling and extended the healthy lifespan of fruit flies by approximately 30%.

Actin is a family of proteins essential for maintaining cell structure. The researchers noticed F-actin buildup in aging fruit fly brains and investigated its potential contribution to brain aging. They observed that flies on a restricted diet lived longer with less F-actin buildup. Similarly, treatment with rapamycin also resulted in reduced F-actin levels.

Walker explained their approach: “But that’s correlation, not a direct demonstration that F-actin is detrimental to aging of the brain.” He continued, “To get at causality, we turned to genetics.”

Targeting genes related to actin filaments accumulation allowed researchers to reduce expression of a gene called Fhos. Schmid noted: “When we reduced Fhos expression in aging neurons, it prevented the accumulation of F-actin in the brain.”

The genetic intervention improved overall health in fruit flies beyond just neurons. It increased their lifespan by 25-30% and enhanced cognitive function alongside other health markers.

Walker commented on these findings: “Flies get more forgetful as they age... If we prevent accumulation of F-actin, it helps the flies learn and remember when older — which tells us the buildup is not benign.”

Further investigation showed that preventing F-actin accumulation activated autophagy pathways more effectively within aged brains—key processes responsible for breaking down damaged or unnecessary cellular components.

While these results are promising for fruit flies with reduced brain-related issues due to lowered levels of accumulated proteins like Filamentous Actins (F-Actins), similar interventions remain unproven among humans so far; developing them might present challenges ahead yet still offer potential directions towards healthier human longevity research efforts too!

Walker emphasized their focus on improving quality-of-life measures rather than merely extending lifespans alone through studies such as this one conducted here today! He said: "Most of us... want people enjoying good health while extending lifespan."

This research received funding from NIH's National Institute on Aging.