Stem cells and aging: a chicken-or-the-egg issue?

Aging Dis. 2012 Jun;3(3):260-8. Epub 2012 Feb 13.

Abstract

Aging is a process that involves all organs and tissues of the human organism. Cells and tissues are impacted by aging in differing degrees, depending on their regenerative potential and sensitivity to outside stimuli. In this review, we discuss the potential role of adult stem cells in the aging process, and the new results that support the role of stem cells in the aging process. Finally, we discuss new evidence from progeroid syndromes that supports the stem cell hypothesis of aging.

Keywords: Aging; Microenvironment; Progeroid syndromes; Stem cells.