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Impact of genomic damage and ageing on stem cell function
Axel Behrens1, Jan M van Deursen2, K Lenhard Rudolph3
1Mammalian Genetics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LY, UK, and the School of Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
Nature Cell Biology
|March 1, 2014
Summary
Aging impairs stem cell function, leading to tissue repair decline. DNA damage accumulation in stem cells and their environment drives this dysfunction and increases cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Stem cell function is crucial for tissue maintenance and repair throughout life.
- Aging is associated with a progressive decline in the regenerative capacity of tissues.
- Accumulation of DNA damage is a hallmark of aging and is implicated in cellular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of age-dependent DNA damage on stem cell functionality.
- To explore the link between DNA damage, stem cell aging, and cancer development.
- To discuss intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing stem cells in response to DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on DNA damage and aging.
- Analysis of research on stem cell biology and the aging microenvironment.
- Synthesis of findings on cancer development in the context of aging and DNA damage.
Main Results:
- Age-dependent DNA damage in stem cells and their microenvironment impairs stem cell function.
- DNA damage contributes to reduced tissue repair and maintenance with aging.
- Accumulated DNA damage is linked to an increased risk of cancer in aged individuals.
Conclusions:
- DNA damage is a key driver of age-related stem cell dysfunction.
- Understanding DNA damage responses is critical for mitigating aging-related diseases and cancer.
- Systemic factors modulating DNA damage response significantly impact stem cell aging.
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