Aging disrupts cell subpopulation dynamics and diminishes the function of mesenchymal stem cells

• DOI: 10.1038/srep07144
• Publication Date: 2014-11-21T10:12:17Z
• Authors: Dominik Duscher; Robert C. Rennert; Michael Januszyk; Ersilia Anghel; Zeshaan N. Maan; Alexander J. Whittam; Marcelina G. Perez; Revanth Kosaraju; Michael S. Hu; Graham G. Walmsley; David Atashroo; Sacha Khong; Atul J. Butte; Geoffrey C. Gurtner
• Keywords: Male; Aging; Wound Healing; 0303 health sciences; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Article; Coculture Techniques; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Adipose Tissue; Tubulin; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Animals; Cluster Analysis; Cytokines; Humans; Gene Regulatory Networks; Transcriptome; Cells, Cultured; Signal Transduction

Advanced age is associated with an increased risk of vascular morbidity, attributable in part to impairments new blood vessel formation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have previously been shown play important role neovascularization and deficiencies these described aged patients. Here we utilize single cell transcriptional analysis determine the effect aging on MSC population dynamics. We identify age-related depletion a subpopulation MSCs characterized by pro-vascular profile. Supporting this finding, demonstrate that are also significantly compromised their ability support network formation vitro vivo. Finally, unable rescue age-associated cutaneous wound healing. Taken together, data suggest changes dynamics result impaired therapeutic potential progenitor cells. These findings critical implications for source decisions (autologous versus allogeneic) indicate necessity strategies improve functionality MSCs.