Human hypothalamic neural stem cells transplantation ameliorates age-associated dysfunction through SNS/eNAMPT axis activation in aged mice

Abstract

The hypothalamus is the brain region that regulates systemic body metabolism and multiple brain functions. The adult hypothalamus harbors neural stem/precursor cell (NSC)-like cells. Along with age-related body changes, the hypothalamic NSC (htNSC) population declines, indicating the potential of htNSC replacement as an anti-aging strategy. Here, we developed protocol to generate htNSCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Implanting the hPSC-derived htNSCs into the hypothalamus of aged mice ameliorated age-related declines in metabolic fitness, physical capacity, and cognitive function. Mechanistically, these anti-aging effects were mediated by inter-tissue communication: enhanced neuronal activity in the htNSC-transplanted hypothalamus stimulated adipose tissues to produce and release the anti-aging molecule eNAMPT into systemic circulation via the sympathetic nervous system. Concurrently, the aged inflammatory environment in the hypothalamus was alleviated by peripheral anti-aging signals. Collectively, our findings support the potential of anti- or healthy aging therapies by targeting hypothalamus.