[ExI] stem cell aging

[Jeff Davis]

http://www.stowers-institute.org/WhatsNew/pr2007/PR101007.asp

It is widely postulated that a decrease in the number and activity of
stem cells contributes to the aging of human tissue. These changes
could be fundamental to many symptoms of aging such as wrinkling of
skin and decreased organ function.

     The control of stem cell aging has, until now, been poorly
understood, but the Xie Lab has demonstrated that specific factors are
associated with an age-dependent decline in the function of stem cells
and their microenvironment, called a niche.

...

"Inefficient replacement of worn-out cells in adult tissues due to the
declining function of stem cells over time may be a primary cause of
human aging," says Dr. Xie. "If we learn how to slow down stem cell
aging by manipulating functions of stem cells and/or their niche, we
may be able to slow down human aging and the progression of
age-related degenerative diseases."
--
Best, Jeff Davis

              "Everything's hard till you
                    know how to do it."
                             Ray Charles