Recent research has opened up promising possibilities for reversing brain aging and repairing damage, by reactivating neural stem cells (NSCs). A study published in Nature Communications revealed the key role of SUMOylation, a process where proteins are modified by small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO), in controlling NSC reactivation. By regulating the Hippo pathway, which controls NSC quiescence (inactivity), SUMOylation activates NSCs and promotes brain repair.