Eco-Aging: stem cells and microbes are controlled by aging antagonist FoxO
Benedikt M Mortzfeld1, Thomas Cg Bosch1
1Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Zoological Institute, Olshausenstrasse 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|July 15, 2017
Summary
The transcription factor FoxO coordinates stem cell proliferation and innate immunity, impacting aging. High FoxO activity in Hydra promotes stem cell growth and a stable microbiome, offering new insights into aging processes.
Area of Science:
- Aging research
- Stem cell biology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Ecology
Background:
- The conserved transcription factor FoxO plays a key role in aging.
- FoxO regulates both stem cell proliferation and innate immune responses.
- Understanding FoxO's dual role is crucial for aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of FoxO in aging.
- To explore the connection between stem cell proliferation, immunity, and aging.
- To introduce the Eco-Aging framework.
Main Methods:
- Literature review integrating stem cell biology, microbiology, and ecology.
- Analysis of FoxO's function in aging models, including Hydra.
- Conceptual framework development (Eco-Aging).
Main Results:
- FoxO acts as a master regulator coordinating stem cell proliferation and antimicrobial peptides.
- High FoxO activity in non-senescent Hydra supports continuous stem cell proliferation.
- Continuous FoxO activity may promote epithelial colonization and a stable microbiome.
Conclusions:
- FoxO's dual role in stem cell maintenance and innate immunity is critical for aging.
- The Eco-Aging framework, integrating multiple biological disciplines, offers a new perspective on aging.
- This multi-organismic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of aging processes.
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