Platelet-derived factors rejuvenate the ageing brain
Speaker: Dr Tara Walker
Queensland Brain Institute
University of Queensland
Title: Platelet-derived factors rejuvenate the ageing brain
Abstract: Ageing changes the adult brain at the molecular, cellular and functional levels, driving regenerative decline, inflammation, cognitive impairments and susceptibility to dementia-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is overwhelming evidence that regular physical exercise can counteract cognitive decline in both healthy ageing and in neurodegenerative conditions such as AD, with exerkines, the circulating humoral factors that are secreted into the blood stream in response to exercise, emerging as likely mediators of this response. However, the source and identity of these exerkines remain unclear. We have recently found that platelets, the small immune cells that primarily regulate haemostasis, are activated after acute periods of running and release factors, including the chemokine platelet factor 4 (PF4), that promote neurogenesis and cognitive rejuvenation.
This presentation will highlight the key role that platelet-derived exerkines play in mediating cognitive rejuvenation and suggest that platelets represent a unique and underexplored therapeutic approach to counteract age-related cognitive decline.
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium on Level 7 are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
