The protein “neurofilament light chain” (NfL) – studied in humans in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and aging – is also detectable in the blood of numerous animals, and NfL levels increase with age in mice, cats, dogs, and horses. Experts from the DZNE and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH) at the University of Tübingen report these findings in the scientific journal “PLOS Biology“. In their view, this biomarker could help to assess the biological age of animals and estimate their life expectancy.
The protein NfL is an indicator of nerve damage. It is released when neurons undergo change or degenerate, either as a result of disease or with normal aging. NfL can then enter the bloodstream and be detected using sensitive analysis techniques.
In neurodegenerative…