Research brief
Recent research indicates that dietary L-serine, a non-essential amino acid, may play a role in supporting neurogenesis in the hippocampus of mice genetically engineered to model Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted on 3xTg-AD mice, found that an L-serine-enriched diet over eight months increased levels of L- and D-serine in the bloodstream and partially alleviated deficits in adult neurogenesis. Although the supplementation did not affect amyloid plaque formation, it highlights a potential pathway for addressing certain neurological impairments associated with Alzheimer's.
Key points
- L-serine is linked to cell proliferation and survival.
- 3xTg-AD mice showed reduced neurogenesis.
- Dietary L-serine partially restored neurogenesis.
Role of L-Serine in the Brain
L-serine, a non-essential amino acid, plays a vital role in cell proliferation and survival. During brain development, neuroepithelial cells and radial glia produce it. In adults, astrocytes and neural precursors take over its synthesis. In Alzheimer's disease, particularly in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and learning, L-serine production is disrupted.
Findings in 3xTg-AD Mice
The study observed that 12-month-old 3xTg-AD mice had significantly fewer proliferating cells and immature neurons in the dentate gyrus compared to age-matched controls. Researchers found that phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the enzyme responsible for L-serine synthesis, was expressed in the neural stem cells of the dentate gyrus. This points to a connection between L-serine production and neurogenesis.
Impact of L-Serine Supplementation
Over eight months, chronic dietary supplementation with L-serine increased plasma levels of L- and D-serine in 3xTg-AD mice. This approach partially rescued the deficits in adult neurogenesis seen in these mice, although it did not significantly change the course of amyloidosis. The study suggests that insufficient L-serine production might play a role in the reduced survival of newborn neurons in Alzheimer's models.
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