Reversing neuronal aging by activating declined autophagy in aged neurons
Multiple systems that are critical for maintaining brain function deteriorate during aging, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the brain's waste recycling system often malfunctions in these conditions. To better understand what goes wrong in the brain’s natural waste cleanup system as we age or develop age-related brain diseases, Dr. Qiang Xiao developed a new tool that tracks this process in lab-grown human brain cells derived from skin cells. He is interested in investigating how this cleanup system functions differently in older brain cells and testing whether its capacity can be renewed with drugs to help restore cellular balance and promote brain health. His research aims to identify new strategies to support healthy brain aging and treat age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
