Researchers at UC San Diego have uncovered a unique way that blood stem cells manage misfolded proteins, which may be crucial for extending healthspan and preventing age-related diseases. In a study published in Cell Stem Cell, scientists examined hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), responsible for generating new blood and immune cells. They found these cells rely on a distinct mechanism called aggrephagy, where damaged proteins are clustered together and destroyed collectively by lysosomes, rather than using the less active proteasome method common in other cells. This aggrephagy process was observed to decline with age, contributing to the deterioration in stem cell function, which can lead to disorders like anemia and cancer. The lead researcher, Robert Signer, aims to understand how enhancing this waste disposal system could sustain stem cell fitness and offer therapies for various age-related conditions. By maintaining a reserve of raw materials from damaged proteins, stem cells can respond more effectively to regeneration needs. The findings suggest that improving the capability of stem cells to manage protein homeostasis could be beneficial not only for blood and immune health but potentially for other long-lived cell types, such as neurons.
