A liver hormone rejuvenates the brain’s defences
A study published in *Cell* reveals that a liver-derived protein, GPLD1, acts as an “exerkine”—a molecule released in response to exercise—and can reverse age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s pathology. The research demonstrates that GPLD1 improves the integrity of the blood-brain barrier by targeting specific proteins on brain endothelial cells, leading to restored memory function in animal models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it might matter to you:
This work identifies a systemic, organ-to-organ signalling axis that directly influences brain aging and neurodegeneration. For researchers focused on cellular aging mechanisms, it highlights how peripheral factors can modulate central nervous system health and barrier function. The findings suggest that pathways regulating vascular integrity could be a critical, previously underappreciated target for interventions aimed at age-related cognitive decline and fertility-linked aging processes.
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