Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
10:07
Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins
Published on: March 17, 2023
Human red blood cell aging: correlative changes in surface charge and cell properties
Yao-Xiong Huang1, Zheng-Jie Wu, Jitendra Mehrishi
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ji Nan University, Guang Zhou, China. tyxhuang@jnu.edu.cn
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|March 26, 2011
Summary
Aging red blood cells (RBCs) lose N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), resulting in decreased surface charge density and altered cell functions. This study visually confirms the correlation between reduced charge and RBC aging, impacting transfusion safety.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Red blood cells (RBCs) lose N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) with aging and storage, potentially causing transfusion adverse effects.
- A long-standing debate exists regarding whether aged RBCs exhibit reduced surface charge density due to NANA loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between RBC aging, NANA content, surface charge density, and cell properties.
- To resolve the controversy surrounding charge density changes in aging RBCs.
Main Methods:
- Multiparametric analysis of Percoll-separated RBC fractions (young vs. old).
- ζ-potential measurements.
- Visual evidence using quantum dots and Sambucus Nigra-FITC labeling.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed between young and old RBC properties.
- ζ-potential decreases with RBC aging.
- Direct visual evidence shows lower charge density and NANA on older RBCs, correlating with decreased ζ-potential.
Conclusions:
- Aging RBCs exhibit reduced surface charge density and NANA content.
- A strong correlation exists between RBC surface charge, structure, and function (morphology, deformability, Hb).
- Findings clarify RBC aging mechanisms and have implications for transfusion medicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:22Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, constantly move through blood capillaries. As a result, they damage their plasma membrane due to the continuous friction. Typically, after 100 to 120 days, erythrocytes become rigid and fragile as they wear out. As they pass through small vessels in the spleen and liver, they can get trapped and break apart into fragments.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
01:29Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...