Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
A collaborative study by the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Barcelona, published in Nature, reveals that human blood stem cells undergo significant changes with age. Utilizing a novel technique called EPI-Clone, researchers tracked DNA methylation patterns—epigenetic “barcodes”—to monitor blood stem cell activity over time.
Findings indicate that by age 50, and almost universally by 60, a few dominant stem cell clones begin to monopolize blood production, leading to reduced diversity. This clonal dominance is associated with an increased production of myeloid cells, which are linked to chronic inflammation and a higher susceptibility to diseases such as leukemia, cardiovascular conditions, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The study’s insights into clonal hematopoiesis—a condition where blood cell production is dominated by a single clone—highlight potential pathways for early disease detection and the development of anti-aging therapies. However, the current cost of implementing EPI-Clone, approximately €5,000 per case, poses a barrier to widespread clinical application.
Hand2 Gene Identified as Key to Limb Regeneration in Salamanders
In a separate study, scientists at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences have uncovered the role of the Hand2 gene in limb regeneration in axolotl salamanders. Published in Nature, the research demonstrates that Hand2 maintains “positional memory” in limb cells, enabling precise regrowth after amputation.
The study reveals a positive feedback loop between Hand2 and the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, crucial for establishing posterior identity in regenerating limbs. Notably, humans also possess the Hand2 gene, suggesting potential avenues for inducing regenerative capabilities in human tissues.
Lead researcher Elly Tanaka emphasizes the significance of this discovery: “Understanding the molecular basis of positional memory in regeneration opens the door to developing therapies that could one day enable humans to regenerate complex tissues or even limbs.”
These groundbreaking studies underscore the potential of leveraging genetic and epigenetic insights to combat age-related diseases and enhance regenerative medicine. As research progresses, such findings may pave the way for innovative treatments that improve healthspan and quality of life.
