Age-associated decline of Coenzyme A leads to intestinal stem cells dysfunction via disturbing iron homeostasis

Abstract

The decline in adult stem cell performance is closely linked to tissue malfunction and the rising incidence of age-related diseases. To investigate the molecular basis of these impairments, our screening strategy identified reduced activity in the pantothenate/coenzyme A (CoA) pathway within aged ISCs. Furthermore, exogenous CoA supplementation restructured ISC metabolic pathways, reversing age-induced hyperproliferation and intestinal dysfunction, and thus extending Drosophila lifespan by curbing excessive iron accumulation in ISCs. These findings uncover a new mechanism of stem cell aging and propose that pantothenate and CoA could be potential therapeutic targets for treating age-related diseases and enhancing healthy aging in humans.