Accumulation of DNA damage in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells during human aging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Accumulation of DNA damage leading to adult stem cell exhaustion has been proposed to be a principal mechanism of aging. Here we tested this hypothesis in healthy individuals of different ages by examining unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells matured in their physiological microenvironment.

Methodology/principal findings

To asses DNA damage accumulation and repair capacities, γH2AX-foci were examined before and after exposure to ionizing irradiation. Analyzing CD34+ and CD34- stem/progenitor cells we observed an increase of endogenous γH2AX-foci levels with advancing donor age, associated with an age-related decline in telomere length. Using combined immunofluorescence and telomere-fluorescence in-situ hybridization we

SUBMITTER: Rube CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3049780 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature