Regulation of Stem Cell Aging by Metabolism and Epigenetics

Publication date: Available online 17 August 2017
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Ruotong Ren, Alejandro Ocampo, Guang-Hui Liu, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
Stem cell aging and exhaustion are considered important drivers of organismal aging. Age-associated declines in stem cell function are characterized by metabolic and epigenetic changes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these changes will likely reveal novel therapeutic targets for ameliorating age-associated phenotypes and for prolonging human healthspan. Recent studies have shown that metabolism plays an important role in regulating epigenetic modifications and that this regulation dramatically affects the aging process. This review focuses on current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of stem cell aging, and the links between cellular metabolism and epigenetic regulation. In addition, we discuss how these interactions sense and respond to environmental stress in order to maintain stem cell homeostasis, and how environmental stimuli regulate stem cell function. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in the development of therapeutic strategies to rejuvenate dysfunctional aged stem cells.

Teaser

In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Ren et al. discuss the current knowledge regarding the metabolic-epigenetic axis regulating stem cell aging in response to environmental stimuli. In addition, the authors highlight recent therapeutic strategies aiming at the rejuvenation of aged stem cells.


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