Researchers have discovered that a slimy barrier lining the brain’s blood vessels, composed of mysterious molecules called mucins, deteriorates with age. This breakdown could allow harmful substances to enter the brain, sparking inflammation. Gene therapy to repair this barrier reduced brain inflammation and improved cognitive function in older mice. The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of mucins in maintaining the blood-brain barrier’s integrity, which diminishes with age. Restoring mucin levels in aging mice improved their memory and learning abilities, providing insight into potential therapies for age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. This research sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of brain health.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00554-w