Senescent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and restoring their cellular functions.

Area of Science:

• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Aging Research

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) possess self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory properties beneficial for clinical therapies.
• Cellular senescence, driven by aging, significantly diminishes MSC function and therapeutic efficacy.
• Standardization of MSCs for clinical use is hindered by age-related functional decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the characteristics and functional alterations of aged MSCs.
• To review current cell rejuvenation strategies for enhancing MSC therapeutic potential.
• To address the limitations imposed by aging on MSC-based therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on aged MSCs and senescence.
• Analysis of molecular and functional changes in MSCs with age.
• Evaluation of various cell rejuvenation techniques.

Main Results:

• Aged MSCs exhibit reduced self-renewal, impaired differentiation, and altered immunomodulatory functions.
• Senescence leads to genomic instability and epigenetic alterations in MSCs.
• Rejuvenation strategies show promise in restoring MSC function.

Conclusions:

• Understanding MSC senescence is crucial for developing effective stem cell therapies.
• Cell rejuvenation methods, including molecular, non-coding RNA, and microenvironment strategies, can potentially overcome age-related MSC limitations.
• Targeting MSC aging is essential for advancing regenerative medicine and clinical applications.