Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
06:51
Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
Published on: May 1, 2017
34.7K
Molecular Mechanisms Contributing to Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Aging
Simona Neri1, Rosa Maria Borzì1
1IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratorio di Immunoreumatologia e Rigenerazione Tissutale, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
Biomolecules
|February 27, 2020
Summary
Aging mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) lose therapeutic potential. Understanding MSC senescence mechanisms and developing anti-aging strategies are crucial for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Gerontology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are vital for tissue repair and homeostasis.
- MSCs are increasingly used therapeutically but require in vitro expansion, leading to senescence.
- MSC aging (in vivo and in vitro) impairs their function and therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on MSC aging mechanisms.
- To discuss factors controlling MSC senescence.
- To explore the effects of MSC aging on therapeutic potential and outline anti-aging strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MSC aging.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying MSC senescence.
- Evaluation of methods for assessing MSC aging status.
Main Results:
- MSC aging affects replicative potential, immunomodulation, and secretory profiles.
- Replicative senescence during in vitro expansion is a significant concern.
- Understanding aging mechanisms is key to preserving MSC therapeutic properties.
Conclusions:
- MSC senescence poses a challenge to their therapeutic use.
- Further research into MSC aging mechanisms and anti-aging treatments is essential.
- Standardized methods for assessing MSC aging are needed to ensure therapeutic efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
518
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...
518
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
5.4K
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their...
5.4K
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
3.1K
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...
3.1K
01:37Mitochondria
19.3K
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
19.3K
01:26Stem Cell Niche
6.0K
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
6.0K
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
4.2K
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...
4.2K