Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation and the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Barcelona have uncovered a key change in human blood stem cells that occurs with age. Their latest study reveals that after the age of 50, blood stem cells begin to be dominated by a limited number of clones, genetically identical cell groups that expand and take over, reducing cellular diversity.
This phenomenon known as clonal expansion leads to an imbalance in blood cell production, notably increasing immune cells that promote inflammation. Such shifts may heighten the risk for age-related diseases including certain blood cancers and inflammatory conditions.
Using an innovative method called EPI-Clone, scientists traced stem cell lineages without the need for genetic engineering. By analyzing patterns of DNA methylation, chemical markers on DNA, they were able to reconstruct the life history of individual cells across hundreds of thousands of samples. These DNA “barcodes” allowed researchers to see which stem cells were expanding and how they influenced aging blood systems.
While this discovery opens promising avenues for early disease detection and potential stem cell rejuvenation therapies, experts note that clinical applications are still a work in progress, given the complexity of human aging and stem cell biology.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any health concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
