Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy Through Photobiomodulation
Published on: April 5, 2024
Photomodulation alleviates cellular senescence of aging adipose-derived stem cells
Tao Zhang1,2,3, Yuqian He1,2,3, Xin Shu1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy Drug Discovery Research Center of Southwest Medical University, and Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapies are emerging as a promising approach to therapeutic regeneration. Therapeutic persistence and reduced functional stem cells following cell delivery remain critical hurdles for clinical investigation due to the senescence of freshly isolated cells and extensive in-vitro passage.
Methods:
Cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were derived from subcutaneous white adipose tissue isolated from mice fed a normal diet. We performed senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, real-time PCR, and Westernblot to evaluate the levels related to cellular senescence markers.
Results:
The mRNA expression levels of senescence markers were significantly increased in the later passage of ASCs. We show that light activation reduced the expression of senescent genes, and SA-β-Gal in all cells at passages. Moreover, the light-activated ASCs-derived exosomes decrease the expression of senescence, and SA-β-Gal in the later passage cells. We further investigated the photoreceptive effect of Opsin3 (Opn3) in light-activated ASCs. Deletion of Opn3 abolished the differences of light activation in reduced expression of senescent genes, increased Ca 2+ influx, and cAMP levels.
Conclusions:
ASCs can undergo cellular senescence in-vitro passage. Photomodulation might be better preserved over senescence and Opn3-dependent activation in aged ASCs. Light-activated ASCs-derived exosomes could be served as e a new protective paradigm for cellular senescence in-vitro passage. Video Abstract.
Insights
Light activation rejuvenates aged adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) by reducing senescence markers. This photomodulation, dependent on Opsin3, offers a novel strategy for preserving stem cell function in regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Cellular senescence
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies show promise for regeneration but face challenges with cell persistence due to senescence.
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are susceptible to in-vitro passage-induced senescence, limiting their therapeutic potential.
Discussion:
- Cellular senescence markers increase with ASCs passage, impacting their function.
- Light activation significantly reduces senescence markers in ASCs.
- Light-activated ASCs-derived exosomes demonstrate a protective effect against cellular senescence.
Key Insights:
- Opsin3 (Opn3) mediates the effects of light activation on reducing senescence, increasing Ca2+ influx, and cAMP levels in ASCs.
- Deletion of Opn3 negates the beneficial effects of light activation on ASCs.
- Light-activated ASCs-derived exosomes represent a novel therapeutic paradigm for mitigating senescence.
Outlook:
- Photomodulation strategies, particularly Opn3-dependent activation, could preserve aged ASCs function.
- Light-activated ASCs-derived exosomes offer a promising approach for enhancing stem cell therapies.
- Further research into light-based interventions could overcome critical hurdles in stem cell delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
