Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
07:39
SA-β-Galactosidase-Based Screening Assay for the Identification of Senotherapeutic Drugs
Published on: June 28, 2019
Stem cell ageing and apoptosis.
Stefania Fulle1, Lucia Centurione, Rosa Mancinelli
1Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Universita G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (CH), Italy.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|February 23, 2012
Summary
Aging impairs tissue repair by affecting adult stem cells. This review explores stem cell aging and apoptosis, focusing on skeletal muscle satellite cells, to understand aging and improve regeneration therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Aging is characterized by functional decline, reduced tissue regeneration, and increased susceptibility to disease.
- Adult stem cells are crucial for tissue maintenance and repair throughout life.
- Age-related dysregulation of cellular signaling compromises stem cell function and regenerative capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between stem cell aging and apoptosis.
- To focus on human satellite cells (skeletal muscle stem cells) and compare them with hematopoietic stem cells.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on stem cell aging and apoptosis.
- Comparative analysis of satellite cells and hematopoietic stem cells in aging.
- Exploration of molecular signaling pathways involved in stem cell senescence.
Main Results:
- Aging leads to a loss of coordination in molecular signaling essential for tissue homeostasis.
- Stem cell aging results in compromised regeneration and repair of damaged tissues.
- Specific focus on satellite cells reveals age-related changes impacting skeletal muscle repair.
Conclusions:
- Understanding age-related changes in stem cells, particularly satellite cells, is vital for comprehending the aging process.
- Investigating stem cell aging and apoptosis offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies in tissue regeneration.
- Further research into molecular mechanisms can unlock new treatments for age-related functional decline.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
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...
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...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...