Research from APC Microbiome Ireland
(APC) at University College Cork (UCC) published today in the leading
international scientific journal Nature Aging introduces a
novel approach to reverse aspects of aging-related deterioration in the
brain and cognitive function via the microbes in the gut.
As our population ages one of the key global challenges is to develop
strategies to maintain healthy brain function. This ground-breaking
research opens up a potentially new therapeutic avenues in the form of
microbial-based interventions to slow down brain aging and associated
cognitive problems.
The work was carried out by researchers in the Brain-Gut-Microbiota
lab in APC led by Prof John F. Cryan, Vice President for Research &
Innovation, University College Cork as well as a Principal Investigator
at APC Microbiome Ireland an SFI Research Centre, based in in University
College Cork and Teagasc Moorepark.
There is a growing appreciation of the importance of the microbes in
the gut on all aspects of physiology and medicine. In this latest mouse
study the authors show that by transplanting microbes from young into
old animals they could rejuvenate aspects of brain and immune function.
Prof John F. Cryan, says "Previous research published by the APC and
other groups internationally has shown that the gut microbiome plays a
key role in aging and the aging process. This new research is a
potential game changer , as we have established that the microbiome can
be harnessed to reverse age-related brain deterioration. We also see
evidence of improved learning ability and cognitive function." Although
very exciting Cryan cautions that "it is still early days and much more
work is needed to see how these findings could be translated in humans."
APC Director Prof Paul Ross stated that "This research of Prof. Cryan
and colleagues further demonstrates the importance of the gut
microbiome in many aspects of health, and particularly across across the
brain/gut axis where brain functioning can be positively influenced.
The study opens up possibilities in the future to modulate gut
microbiota as a therapeutic target to influence brain health" The study
was led by co-first authors Dr Marcus Boehme along with PhD students
Katherine E. Guzzetta, and Thomaz Bastiaansen.
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