Research has shown promise in various approaches to enhance the function of stem cells in aged tissues. Stem cell populations decline in activity over time due to aging, but interventions can potentially force them to be more active. Partial reprogramming and CDC42 inhibition via CASIN are two interesting interventions that show potential for reversing stem cell aging and improving tissue function. While partial reprogramming therapies may still be far off, CASIN awaits human testing to establish safety. The goal is to extend health and lifespan by rejuvenating aged stem cells through therapeutic strategies.
One such strategy is exercise, which has been shown to increase the number of skeletal muscle stem cells in aged mice. Calorie restriction and fasting also show promise in rejuvenating intestinal and muscle stem cells. Reprogramming cells to a more undifferentiated state through Yamanaka factors has shown positive effects on muscle and hair follicle stem cells. Additionally, clearing senescent cells with senolytics has shown promising results in hematopoietic and muscle stem cells. Targeting cell polarity, specifically using CASIN to inhibit Cdc42 activity, has also been identified as a potential strategy to improve tissue and organ regeneration by rejuvenating somatic stem cells.
