Eric Verdin at ARDD2025: Targeting CD38 against aging

Eric Verdin at ARDD2025: Targeting CD38 against aging

🎙 Eric Verdin 👥 9K 📅 January 22, 2026 ⏱ 23 min 👁 748 📄 original study 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

CD38NADagingchoroid plexuscognition

Summary

Eric Verdin presents his lab’s research on the role of CD38 in aging, focusing on its impact on NAD metabolism and brain function. He begins by explaining the importance of NAD as a central metabolite and its decline with age. He critiques the current approach of NAD supplementation, arguing that blocking CD38, a major NAD-consuming enzyme, may be more effective. His lab found that CD38 expression increases in the brain with age, particularly in the choroid plexus, a structure involved in cerebrospinal fluid production and blood-brain barrier maintenance. Using CD38 knockout mice, they observed improved cognitive function and a reversal of aging-related gene expression changes in the choroid plexus and hippocampus. They also developed a novel CD38 inhibitor, NTX-748, which showed promising results in mice, improving cognition and synaptic plasticity. The presentation highlights the potential of targeting CD38 as a therapeutic strategy for age-related cognitive decline.

146 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation provides valuable insights into a novel approach to combating aging by targeting CD38. The argumentation is solid, supported by experimental data from knockout mice and a novel inhibitor. The speaker effectively critiques the current paradigm of NAD supplementation, offering a logical alternative. The data presented are preliminary but compelling, with clear evidence of cognitive improvement and molecular changes consistent with rejuvenation. The argumentation is well-structured, moving from basic observations to mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic applications.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is high, with data from well-controlled experiments, including knockout mice and a novel inhibitor. The speaker references key studies, such as those by Eduardo Chini, and acknowledges ongoing work. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on CD38 as a target against aging. The presentation is from a reputable institution (Buck Institute) and a major conference (ARDD), adding credibility. However, some claims lack detailed statistical analysis, and the story is acknowledged as incomplete.

169 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on CD38 as a target against aging.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Presentation of original research data from a leading aging research institute, with clear methodology and preliminary results. Some claims lack detailed statistical context, but the overall approach is rigorous.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • Eduardo Chini's papers on CD38 and NAD — Referenced as key studies showing CD38 knockout restores NAD levels in mice.

Concurring Sources

  • Eduardo Chini's papers on CD38 and NAD — Referenced as key studies showing CD38 knockout restores NAD levels in mice.

Contribution & Novelties

This presentation offers novel insights into the role of CD38 in brain aging, particularly its unexpected localization in choroid plexus pericytes. The finding that CD38 knockout reverses aging-related gene expression in the choroid plexus and hippocampus is a significant contribution. The development of a new CD38 inhibitor (NTX-748) with promising preclinical results adds translational value.

Pour aller plus loin :

90 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores across all dimensions, indicating a well-rounded presentation with strong scientific content, technical depth, and reliability. The balance between information quantity and quality is particularly notable.

Reliability 8/10