Reviewing Approaches to Improving Aged Stem Cell Function

A variety of approaches show some promise in improving the function of stem cells in aged tissues. Stem cell populations support their tissue by providing a supply of daughter somatic cells to replace losses. This supply diminishes over time as stem cells reduce their activity for reasons that descend from the known root causes of aging, but which are not fully understood in detail. To the degree that reduced stem cell function is a response to the aged environment rather than a consequence of damage inherent to these cells, then it is useful to find ways to force stem cells to be more active. Whether this is the case may differ for different cell types, but there is ample evidence for interventions that can at least modestly enhance stem cell activity. Perhaps the most interesting of these interventions are partial reprogramming and CDC42 inhibition via CASIN. The latter is much more feasible than the former when considering the prospects for near-term human use, but both offer the prospect of one-time treatments that produce a lasting reversal of stem cell aging and consequent improvement in tissue function. It is most likely a long road ahead to the first partial reprogramming therapies, but CASIN only awaits initial human testing to establish that safety is similar to that observed in mice. Rejuvenating aged stem cells: therapeutic strategies to extend health and lifespan Aging is associated with a global decline in stem cell function. To date, seve...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs