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“Stunning Breakthrough Discovery: Study Reveals Key Mechanism of What’s Causing Stem Cell Aging!”

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A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at UCLA has uncovered key insights into the aging of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the mouse brain. Contrary to popular belief, it appears that the decline of these cells in aging is mainly caused by decreased efficiency in producing proliferative cells, rather than changes in cell diffusion. Most importantly, the research team has identified the downregulation of age-dependent genes due to epigenetic deregulation as a crucial factor in this aging process, providing promising opportunities to reverse the effects of age in stem cells.

The study, published in Nature Aging, was a joint effort of the UCLA researchers, led by Professor Michael Carey of the Biological Chemistry Department, and Associate Professor Chengyang Huang from the Shantou University Medical College. Meiyang Li, a research associate from Shantou University Medical College, was the first author of the paper.

Stem Cell Aging: Origins and Insights

The aging of stem cells is a complex process influenced both by biological factors and environmental factors. In common rodents, most NSPCs can be found in the subventricular zone (SVZ). Unfortunately, a significant drop in the number of these cells and a decrease in their capacity to generate neurons has been seen with age.

In order to identify the molecular elements responsible for these changes, the UCLA scientists conducted transcriptome, epigenome, and functional analyses of NSPCs from rodents. They soon identified the downregulation of certain, age-dependent genes as the main cause of the cell’s diminished self-renewal capacity.

MLL Complex: Key Actor in NSPC Aging

The research team attributed this age-associated decrease in gene activities to the epigenetic deregulation of the MLL complex, which further led to a decreased H3K4me3 signal at the promoters of the age-dependent genes. This allowed for an overall reduction in the NSPCs and a subsequent decrease in neurogenesis.

Harnessing the Power of Stem Cells

This groundbreaking research invalidates the previous notion that stem cell aging is caused by broad cell changes and instead shows us how a specific set of genes involved in developmental processes can cause a great amount of damage.

The findings of the study are paramount in the development of treatments for age-related neurological diseases, which may stem from genetic defects or environmental factors. With the insights gained from this research, we may be closer to understanding and ultimately avoiding the devastating effects of aging on stem cells.