Stem Cell

05 July 2023

Stem Cells and Bio-Rejuvenation: A Pathway to Regenerative Medicine

Introduction

The use of stem cells in bio-rejuvenation has been emerging as an innovative strategy in regenerative medicine, promising to revolutionize the way we perceive and treat the process of aging. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted to harness the potential of stem cells in repairing and rejuvenating tissues, presenting opportunities for ameliorating age-related diseases and enhancing healthspan (1).

Understanding Stem Cells

Stem cells are unique cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into a wide array of cell types. Broadly classified into embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult (somatic) stem cells, these cells hold tremendous potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (2).

ESCs, derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, are pluripotent, meaning they can give rise to virtually any cell type in the body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are typically multipotent, differentiating into a limited range of cell types related to their tissue of origin (3). Importantly, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated by reprogramming adult cells, closely resemble ESCs in their pluripotency, presenting a valuable tool for regenerative medicine (4).

Stem Cells and Aging

With aging, stem cell function declines, leading to reduced tissue homeostasis and regeneration. This deterioration contributes significantly to aging and age-related diseases (5). Studies have indicated that factors such as stem cell exhaustion, and changes in the stem cell niche, cellular senescence, and systemic environment play a role in this decline (6).

Stem Cells in Bio-Rejuvenation

Recent advances in stem cell research have indicated their potential in bio-rejuvenation, the biological process of reversing or slowing the aging process to extend both healthspan and lifespan.

• Stem cell therapies: Stem cell therapies involve introducing stem cells into damaged tissues or organs, where they can regenerate the affected areas. These therapies can potentially treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries, with trials already showing promising results (7).

• iPSC technology: iPSCs offer a powerful tool for rejuvenation, as they can be derived from the patient's cells, reducing the risk of immune rejection. They can be differentiated into any cell type, providing a potentially unlimited source of cells for repair and regeneration (8).

• Senescence-clearing therapies: Senescent cells, which have lost their proliferative capacity, accumulate with age and contribute to tissue dysfunction. Therapies designed to remove these cells or rejuvenate them can improve tissue function and promote rejuvenation (9).

Conclusion

Stem cells present a powerful tool for bio-rejuvenation, offering promising strategies to combat aging and improve healthspan. As we continue to elucidate the mechanisms underlying stem cell function and develop novel therapeutic strategies, we edge closer to realizing the full potential of regenerative medicine.

References

• Rando, T. A., & Chang, H. Y. (2012). Aging, rejuvenation, and epigenetic reprogramming: resetting the aging clock. Cell, 148(1-2), 46-57.

• Thomson, J. A., Itskovitz-Eldor, J., Shapiro, S. S., Waknitz, M. A., Swiergiel, J. J., Marshall, V. S., & Jones, J. M. (1998). Embryonic stem cell lines derived from human blastocysts. Science, 282(5391), 1145-1147.

• Fuchs, E., & Segre, J. A. (2000). Stem cells: a new lease on life. Cell, 100(1), 143-155.

• Takahashi, K., & Yamanaka, S. (2006). Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors. cell, 126(4), 663-676.

• López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2013). The hallmarks of aging. Cell, 153(6), 1194-1217.

• Oh, J., Lee, Y. D., & Wagers, A. J. (2014). Stem cell aging: mechanisms, regulators and therapeutic opportunities. Nature medicine, 20(8), 870-880.

• Trounson, A., & McDonald, C. (2015). Stem cell therapies in clinical trials: progress and challenges. Cell stem cell, 17(1), 11-22.

• Robinton, D. A., & Daley, G. Q. (2012). The promise of induced pluripotent stem cells in research and therapy. Nature, 481(7381), 295-305.

• van Deursen, J. M. (2014). The role of senescent cells in ageing. Nature, 509(7501), 439-446.