Role of cell competition in ageing

Recent advances in rapid medical detection and diagnostic technology have extended both human health and life expectancy. However, ageing remains one of the critical risk factors in contributing to major incapacitating and fatal conditions, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Therefore, it is vital to study how ageing attributes to (or participates in) endangering human health via infliction of age-related diseases and what must be done to tackle this intractable process. This review encompasses the most recent literature elaborating the role of cell competition (CC) during ageing. CC is a process that occurs between two heterogeneous populations, where the cells with higher fitness levels have a competitive advantage over the neighbouring cells that have comparatively lower fitness levels. This interaction results in the selection of the fit cells, within a population, and elimination of the viable yet suboptimal cells. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that, if this quality control mechanism works efficiently throughout life, can it ultimately lead to a healthier ageing and extended lifespan. Furthermore, the review aims to collate all the important state of the art publications that provides evidence of the relevance of CC in dietary restriction, stem cell dynamics, and cell senescence, thus, prompting us to advocate its contribution and in exploring new avenues and opportunities in fighting age-related conditions.