Αcgrp Activates Pi3K/Akt To Exert Antioxidant Effects And Improve The Survival Rate And Functional Status Of Cortical Neurons
Our brains are constantly working, and like any complex machinery, they can suffer from wear and tear. One major culprit in this damage is “oxidative stress,” which occurs when harmful molecules called free radicals overwhelm the brain’s natural defenses, leading to cell damage and even death. This process is implicated in aging and various neurological conditions.
Exciting new research has shed light on a potential protective agent: a protein known as αCGRP. This protein has been found to activate a crucial internal communication system within our cells called the PI3K/Akt pathway. Think of this pathway as a central command center that regulates many vital cell functions, including growth, survival, and protection against stress.
When αCGRP kicks this PI3K/Akt pathway into action, it essentially boosts the brain cells’ ability to produce their own antioxidants. Antioxidants are like tiny shields that neutralize those damaging free radicals, preventing them from harming the cells. By enhancing these natural defenses, αCGRP helps brain cells, specifically those in the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking), to survive better and function more effectively. This discovery opens up promising avenues for developing new strategies to protect our brains from oxidative damage and potentially improve outcomes in conditions where neuronal health is compromised.
Source: link to paper