Telocytes contribute to aging-related modifications in the prostate
Bruno Domingos Azevedo Sanches1, Guilherme Henrique Tamarindo1, Juliana Dos Santos Maldarine1
1Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Scientific Reports
|December 8, 2020
Summary
Telocytes, crucial stromal cells, change during prostate aging. These changes suggest telocytes may influence smooth muscle integrity and contribute to age-related prostate inflammation and angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Prostate biology
- Cellular senescence
- Stromal cell research
Background:
- Telocytes are interstitial cells found in the prostate stroma.
- Their role in prostate aging remains largely uncharacterized.
- Prostate aging is associated with pro-pathogenic stromal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate telocyte presence and changes during prostate aging.
- To explore the potential role of telocytes in age-associated prostate alterations.
- To compare adult and senile prostates in Mongolian gerbils.
Main Methods:
- Histochemistry
- 3D reconstructions
- Ultrastructure analysis
- Immunofluorescence
Main Results:
- Aging prostates showed thinner perialveolar smooth muscle and dilated alveoli.
- Telocytes formed networks with smooth muscle cells, suggesting a role in muscle integrity.
- Senescence revealed VEGF+ telocytes (angiogenesis) and TNFR1+ telocytes (pro-inflammation).
Conclusions:
- Telocytes are involved in prostate aging processes.
- Telocytes may influence smooth muscle integrity and contribute to prostate inflammation and angiogenesis.
- Telocytes represent potential therapeutic targets for age-related prostate pathologies.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
3.0K
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...
3.0K
01:26Aging
446
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...
446
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
4.1K
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...
4.1K
01:37Mitochondria
18.1K
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,...
18.1K
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
6.5K
6.5K
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
26.0K
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded...
26.0K