http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2013/10/14/newly-identified-protein-helps-explain-how-exercise-boosts-brain-health/
The abstract it is based on here:
Exercise Induces Hippocampal BDNF through a PGC-1α/FNDC5 Pathway
Summary
Exercise
can improve cognitive function and has been linked to the increased
expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, the
underlying molecular mechanisms driving the elevation of this
neurotrophin remain unknown. Here we show that FNDC5, a previously
identified muscle protein that is induced in exercise and is cleaved and
secreted as irisin, is also elevated by endurance exercise in the
hippocampus of mice. Neuronal Fndc5 gene expression is regulated by PGC-1α, and Pgc1a−/− mice show reduced Fndc5 expression in the brain. Forced expression of FNDC5 in primary cortical neurons increases Bdnf expression, whereas RNAi-mediated knockdown of FNDC5 reduces Bdnf. Importantly,
peripheral delivery of FNDC5 to the liver via adenoviral vectors,
resulting in elevated blood irisin, induces expression of Bdnf
and other neuroprotective genes in the hippocampus. Taken together, our
findings link endurance exercise and the important metabolic mediators,
PGC-1α and FNDC5, with BDNF expression in the brain.
This is amazing! Exercise makes our muscles produce a protein that ends up making our brains produce more brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This is an elegant solution that doesn't require a doctor or a drug.
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