Scientists Find Link Between Red Blood Cell Protein and Age-Related Impairments like Hearing

Earlier this month, PLOS Biology published the results of a study on the role of erythrocyte ADORA2B (a protein in red blood cells) in age-related decline. Because ADORA2B helps red blood cells release oxygen, and oxygen depletion is known to contribute to hypoxia and age-related degeneration, the researchers behind this study hypothesized that ADORA2B levels might play a crucial role in maintaining or losing cognitive function (including auditory processing). After examining mice without ADORA2B compared to those with the protein, the researchers concluded that the removal of ADORA2B “accelerates early onset of age-related impairments in spatial learning, memory, and hearing ability.” In addition, they found that ADORA2B levels naturally decrease with age, leading them to deduce that ADORA2B may be the key to preventing age-related cognitive decline.

While more research is needed to determine how ADORA2B levels change in healthy animals over time and if manipulating ADORA2B levels can offset functional decline, this discovery may lead to better interventions and treatments for age-related deterioration in the future. These results are especially significant in our field, with about one-third of U.S. adults who are 65 and older suffering from age-related hearing loss. You can read the full article on PLOS Biology here.

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