Rohini Subrahmanyam in The Scientist:
Aging is inevitable for most cell types in the human body, but hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) seem to defy the process. They retain their self-renewing ability almost throughout an organism’s lifetime and exhibit a delayed onset of typical hallmarks of aging like DNA damage or protein aggregation. “Stem cells are really remarkable in their longevity,” said Andre Catic, a researcher working on aging at the Baylor College of Medicine.
Previously, scientists found that one reason contributing to HSC longevity was that they could exist in a functionally inactive state for prolonged periods.1 Now, Catic and his team found another clue as to how these cells maintain their youth. In a study published recently in Nature Cell Biology, they reported that HSCs contain high levels of a protein cyclophilin A which prevents these cells from rapid aging.2 Understanding mechanisms of how HSCs avoid the wear and tear of senescence has wide-ranging implications, from figuring out cells’ fundamental anti-aging secrets to determining how these mechanisms breaking down could lead to leukemia.
More here.
Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now.