Reduced Nrf2 expression mediates the decline in neural stem cell function during a critical middle-age period.

ABSTRACT: Although it is known that the regenerative function of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) declines with age, causal mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not understood. Here, we systematically analyze subventricular zone (SVZ) NSPCs, in various groups of rats across the aging spectrum, using in vitro and in vivo histological and behavioral techniques. These studies indicate that although NSPC function continuously declines with advancing age, there is a critical time period during middle age (13-15 months) when a striking reduction in NSPC survival and regeneration (proliferation and neuronal differentiation) occurs. The studies also indicate that this specific temporal pattern of NSPC deterioration is functionally relevant at a behavioral level and correlates with the decreasing ex

SUBMITTER: Corenblum MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4933666 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature