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Human stem cell aging: do mitochondrial DNA mutations have a causal role?

Lookup NU author(s): Holly Baines, Emeritus Professor Doug Turnbull, Professor Laura GreavesORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

A decline in the replicative and regenerative capacity of adult stem cell populations is a major contributor to the aging process. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations clonally expand with age in human stem cell compartments including the colon, small intestine, and stomach, and result in respiratory chain deficiency. Studies in a mouse model with high levels of mtDNA mutations due to a defect in the proofreading domain of the mtDNA polymerase (mtDNA mutator mice) have established causal relationships between the accumulation of mtDNA point mutations, stem cell dysfunction, and premature aging. These mtDNA mutator mice have also highlighted that the consequences of mtDNA mutations upon stem cells vary depending on the tissue. In this review, we present evidence that these studies in mice are relevant to normal human stem cell aging and we explore different hypotheses to explain the tissue-specific consequences of mtDNA mutations. In addition, we emphasize the need for a comprehensive analysis of mtDNA mutations and their effects on cellular function in different aging human stem cell populations.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Baines HL, Turnbull DM, Greaves LC

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Aging Cell

Year: 2014

Volume: 13

Issue: 2

Pages: 201-205

Print publication date: 01/04/2014

Online publication date: 28/01/2014

Acceptance date: 21/12/2013

ISSN (print): 1474-9718

ISSN (electronic): 1474-9726

Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/acel.12199

DOI: 10.1111/acel.12199


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