Heterochronic parabiosis uncovers AdipoR1 as a critical player in retinal rejuvenation.

Abstract

Aging induces substantial structural and functional decline in the retina, yet the molecular drivers of this process remain elusive. In this study, we used heterochronic parabiosis (HP) combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to generate comprehensive transcriptomic profiles of murine retinas from young, aged, and HP pairs, aiming to identify antiaging targets. Our analysis revealed extensive transcriptional alterations across retinal cell types with aging. HP experiments demonstrated that systemic factors from young mice rejuvenated aged retinas and alleviated senescent phenotypes, while aged blood accelerated aging in young mice. Integrative analysis pinpointed adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and the downstream adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway as central to the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal rejuvenation. Treatment with the AdipoR1 agonist AdipoRon reversed retinal aging. Mechanistically, AdipoR1-AMPK activation promoted mitochondrial function, contributing to the restoration of youthful cellular phenotypes. Together, our study identifies AdipoR1 as a therapeutic target for retinal aging and provides insights into the molecular programs driving retinal rejuvenation.