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Published on: June 5, 2026
Nuclear-Mitochondria Crosstalk in Senescent Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Yixiang Zhang1,2, Yawei Du1, Shifeng Ling1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Department of Orthopaedics Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China.
Smart Medicine
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Aging and obesity impair adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) via mitochondrial dysfunction. Targeting mitochondria may reverse ADSC senescence and restore adipose tissue health.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Stem cell aging
- Adipose tissue biology
Background:
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are crucial for adipose tissue homeostasis and regeneration.
- Aging and obesity impair ADSC function, primarily through mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted mitochondrial-nuclear communication.
- Defects in nuclear-mitochondrial crosstalk are key drivers of ADSC senescence and adipose tissue aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding mitochondrial mechanisms of ADSC aging.
- To emphasize how mitochondrial dysfunction affects stem cell fate, metabolic plasticity, and inflammation in aged adipose tissue.
- To highlight mitochondria-targeting therapies for reversing ADSC senescence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on ADSC aging and mitochondria.
- Analysis of studies focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on ADSC function.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria for ADSC rejuvenation.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction progressively impairs ADSC function with age and obesity.
- Disrupted nuclear-mitochondrial communication drives ADSC senescence.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction alters stem cell fate, metabolic plasticity, and inflammatory signaling in aged adipose niches.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial regulation is a central axis for ADSC rejuvenation.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria show promise for restoring adipose tissue homeostasis.
- Understanding mitochondrial mechanisms offers new avenues to mitigate age-related metabolic dysfunction.
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