Mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives as potential longevity-promoting tools

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and blood plasma/MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer promising tools to promote longevity and treat age-related diseases. MSCs have low immunogenicity and tumorigenicity, and their efficacy is relatively independent of the donor age in humans (but not in rodents). Systemic administration of MSCs and stem cell/blood-derived EVs modified the omic profiles of various organs of aged rodents towards the young ones. The application of EVs appears to be even more beneficial than MSCs. Remarkably, over 70% of microRNAs, which are over-presented in ESC-derived EVs, were found to target longevity-associated genes. Along with MSCs, other types of stem cells were reported to display health- and lifespan-extending effects. Pluripotent Muse cells, a specific subpopulation of MSCs, which possess a number of unique features, could be particularly relevant for promoting healthspan. The rejuvenation potential of MSCs, EVs, and Muse cells warrants further investigation in both animal models and clinical trials, using aging clocks for biological age determination as one of the endpoints.