Stem cells and anti-aging genes: double-edged sword—do the same job of life extension

• Main Authors: Mujib Ullah, Zhongjie Sun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018-01-01
• Series: Stem Cell Research & Therapy
• Subjects: Lifespan; Rejuvenation; Klotho; Stem cells; Aging communication; Cytokines
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13287-017-0746-4

Abstract Aging impacts diseases and lifespan. With current knowledge of stem cells, it is feasible to design and test interventions that delay aging and improve both health and lifespan. Stem cells, together with anti-aging genes such as Klotho, play a crucial role in delaying the aging process. Stem cells in combination with anti-aging genes make a complex and protective shield, which stand against the eroding effects of aging. Increased wear and tear of the stem cells, as well as Klotho deficiency, is expected to heavily increase cellular damage and accelerate the process of aging. Stem cells in conjugation with anti-aging genes probably receive and neutralize most of the devastating signaling effects which are known to cause premature aging. The shield of stem cells combined with anti-aging genes is a primary target for absorbing the shock of aging. If this shield neutralizes the shocks, it could lead to a youthful state, but if not it will accelerate the aging journey. In this review, we concisely discuss the neutralizing ability, operated and regulated by stem cells and other life-extension factors. We suggest that stem cell interventions that increase rejuvenation and keep in balance the expression of anti-aging genes could delay the aging phenotypes and result in prolonged lifespan.