Scientists identify key protein that preserves motor ability during aging
Originally published by Nik Papageorgiou, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne , on May 29, 2024 Credit: Cell Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114256 A new study by EPFL scientists shows that age-related decline in motor ability can be countered in fruit flies by enhancing the expression of the protein Trio , suggesting potential treatments for age-related movement decline. As we age , we suffer a noticeable decline in motor ability , which affects our quality of life and independence. This can be traced t o changes occurring at neuromuscular junctions , the critical points where nerve cells communicate with muscles . The deterioration of motor ability is closely linked to the degeneration of motor synaptic terminals , where signals pass from nerves in the spine to muscles. As we age, the terminals u ndergo structural fragmentation , reducing the release of neurotransmitters , which is crucial for initiating muscle movements. In the end, this translates into decr