Tissue resident stem cells: till death do us part

Biogerontology. 2013 Dec;14(6):573-90. doi: 10.1007/s10522-013-9469-9. Epub 2013 Oct 2.

Abstract

Aging is accompanied by reduced regenerative capacity of all tissues and organs and dysfunction of adult stem cells. Notably, these age-related alterations contribute to distinct pathophysiological characteristics depending on the tissue of origin and function and thus require special attention in a type by type manner. In this paper, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms leading to tissue-specific adult stem cell dysfunction and reduced regenerative capacity with age. A comprehensive investigation of the hematopoietic, the neural, the mesenchymal, and the skeletal stem cells in age-related research highlights that distinct mechanisms are associated with the different types of tissue stem cells. The link between age-related stem cell dysfunction and human pathologies is discussed along with the challenges and the future perspectives in stem cell-based therapies in age-related diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Age Factors
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / pathology
  • Myoblasts, Skeletal / pathology
  • Neural Stem Cells / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Stem Cell Niche