Research on Roundworms Reveals Proteins That May Facilitate Neuron-Glia Communication During Brain Aging

Recent studies utilizing the nematode model organism Caenorhabditis elegans have uncovered new insights into the mechanisms of brain aging. The human brain's functionality depends heavily on the intricate communication between neurons, which are responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals, and glial cells, which support and protect neural tissues. Disruptions in this communication are associated with age-related cognitive decline.

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a novel pathway involving proteins that act as signaling molecules to mediate neuron-glia interactions throughout the aging process. Their groundbreaking work, published in Nature Neuroscience, demonstrates that heat shock proteins, traditionally known for their role in cellular protection against stress, also serve as messengers facilitating communication between neurons and glia.

In their experiments, the team focused on the amphid sensory organ of C. elegans, a simplified and accessible nervous system component suitable for in vivo studies. Using chemotaxis assays and calcium imaging, they evaluated sensory neuron functions under various aging conditions. By manipulating key regulatory factors in aging pathways and tracking protein transmission via extracellular vesicles, they observed that proteins like heat shock proteins are actively transported from neurons to glial cells, influencing cellular functions during the aging process.

The researchers employed molecular biology techniques to label specific proteins, enabling visualization under microscopes and allowing them to silence or modify gene activity to assess impacts. Their findings mark the first in vivo evidence that extracellular vesicle-mediated protein transfer regulates brain aging and that heat shock proteins play a crucial signaling role.

Dr. Jieyu Wu, the study’s lead author, highlighted the significance of these discoveries, stating that understanding protein signaling in neuron-glia communication can open new avenues for exploring neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Wu also expressed interest in further investigating the functional roles of extracellular vesicles in brain health and aging, aiming to focus on their biological significance during their upcoming academic pursuits.

This research underscores the importance of intercellular communication in maintaining neural integrity during aging and offers promising targets for future interventions to promote healthy brain aging. The findings may eventually lead to novel strategies for preventing or mitigating age-related neurological conditions.

For more detailed information, refer to the original study: Jieyu Wu et al., "Heat shock proteins as signaling molecules in neuron-glia communication during aging in C. elegans," Nature Neuroscience, 2025.