Calorie restriction has been shown to slow down aging more effectively than pharmaceutical approaches targeting metabolism. One key mechanism in this beneficial response is nutrient sensing, particularly the sensing of essential amino acids like methionine. Studies in rodents suggest a significant portion of the benefits of calorie restriction come from methionine sensing, leading to promising results in studies using low methionine diets without overall calorie restriction.
However, implementing a low methionine diet can be challenging in daily life due to the prevalence of methionine in common foods. Despite this challenge, low methionine medical diets exist and show potential for broader applications in age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are gathering evidence to support methionine restriction as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s, based on the disruptions in amino acid homeostasis observed in patients with the disease.
Methionine plays a crucial role in various aspects of growth and development, and studies have linked its metabolism to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s. By restricting methionine levels, studies have shown a potential to alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms, although the specific molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Research using mouse models and gene enrichment analysis has identified a correlation between methionine levels and Alzheimer’s phenotypes, suggesting a potential preventive or therapeutic strategy for the disease.
