| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3346122 | Current Opinion in Immunology | 2011 | 6 Pages |
During development hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) expand in number and persist throughout life by undergoing self-renewing divisions. Nevertheless, the hematopoietic system does not escape the negative effects of aging, suggesting that self-renewal is not complete. A fundamental issue in stem cell biology relates to such age-dependent loss of stem cell activity. Both stem cell intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors associated with an aging micro-environment could contribute to aging of the hematopoietic system. Recently, changes in the clonal composition of the HSC compartment during aging have been put forward as a key factor. Here, we discuss these recent developments and speculate how they may be of clinical relevance.
► Although highly self-renewing, the hematopoietic system is affected by aging. ► Aging effects include intrinsic as well as micro-environmental (extrinsic) effects. ► Data on the effects of aging on human HSCs are still rare.
