Liver enzyme GPLD1 from exercise reverses memory loss in aging and Alzheimer's by targeting brain blood vessel protein TNAP, study finds

Liver exerkine reverses aging- and Alzheimer’s-related memory loss via vasculature

CellAvailable online 18 February 2026Under a Creative Commons licenseOpen accessHighlights•Liver exercise factor GPLD1 targets GPI-anchored proteins on the aged brain vasculature•GPI-anchored TNAP on brain endothelial cells disrupts the BBB and impairs cognition•Increased GPLD1 or TNAP inhibition rejuvenates BBB function and cognition in aging•Increased GPLD1 or TNAP inhibition ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease pathologySummaryBlood factors transfer the benefits of exercise to the aged brain indep...