Aging of human haematopoietic stem cells

Abstract

Haematopoietic aging is associated with a decline in immune function as well as an increased incidence of malignant transformation and thus has important ramifications for the health of the elderly. There is increasing evidence that changes occur within the human haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment with age, including a reduced repopulating activity and perturbed differentiation potential, and that these changes contribute to haematopoietic aging and related pathologies. Understanding the mechanisms driving these age-associated changes in HSC function could potentially translate into significant public health benefit in our aging population, by reducing the risk of hospitalisation and dependency of the elderly. In this chapter we review the current state of knowledge of the causes and consequences of HSC aging in humans. Where appropriate we have highlighted the similarities and differences that have been observed between humans and mice. Although comparatively unexplored, the field of HSC aging in humans has been advanced by some recent key observations, which will stimulate and direct future research efforts in the field.