Scientists Discover “Master Regulator” That Could Help Reverse Brain Aging at Its Source
The Debrief • • science
Key Points:
- Researchers at the University of New Mexico have identified OTULIN, a protein acting as a molecular "master regulator," that significantly influences gene expression, RNA stability, and tau protein levels in neurons, which are critical factors in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease.
- Manipulating OTULIN in human neurons derived from Alzheimer's patients showed that reducing its activity lowered toxic phosphorylated tau levels, while complete gene deletion nearly eliminated tau by suppressing its mRNA production, revealing OTULIN’s unexpected role in gene regulation.
- The study suggests that targeting OTULIN could reset molecular programs driving brain aging and neurodegeneration, offering a novel therapeutic strategy beyond current approaches that focus on clearing tau aggregates after they form.
- OTULIN's regulatory influence extends beyond
