Theanine attenuates memory impairments induced by klotho gene depletion in mice

Food Funct. 2019 Jan 22;10(1):325-332. doi: 10.1039/c8fo01577e.

Abstract

Theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide), an amino acid in tea, is a putative neuroprotective and antioxidant compound capable of improving lifespan and cognitive function. Because we previously reported cognitive dysfunction in klotho mutant mice via down-regulation of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3), M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor (M1 mAChR), and ERK signaling, we, therefore, investigated whether self-administration of theanine affects memory dysfunction in response to klotho gene depletion in mice, and whether theanine modulates the JAK2/STAT3, M1 mAChR, and ERK signaling network. Theanine significantly attenuated memory impairments in klotho mutant mice. Moreover, theanine self-administration significantly attenuated inhibitions of JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, M1 mAChR expression, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the hippocampus of klotho mutant mice. Consistently, AG490, a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor, dicyclomine, an M1 mAChR antagonist, or U0126, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, significantly counteracted theanine-induced attenuation of memory impairment induced by klotho gene depletion in mice. Our study suggests that theanine attenuates memory impairments in a genetic aging model via up-regulation of JAK2/STAT3, M1 mAChR, and ERK signaling.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Glucuronidase / deficiency*
  • Glucuronidase / genetics
  • Glutamates / administration & dosage*
  • Hippocampus / drug effects
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 2 / genetics
  • Janus Kinase 2 / metabolism
  • Klotho Proteins
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Memory Disorders / genetics*
  • Memory Disorders / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Glutamates
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • theanine
  • Jak2 protein, mouse
  • Janus Kinase 2
  • Glucuronidase
  • Klotho Proteins