Stem cell theory of aging
Encyclopedia
The stem cell theory of aging is a new theory
which was recently formulated by several scientist
s and which postulates that the aging process is the result of the inability of various types of stem cell
s to continue to replenish the tissues
of an organism
with functional differentiated cells capable of maintaining that tissue (or organ
) original function. Some of the proponents of this theory have been Norman E. Sharpless, Ronald A. DePinho
, Huber Warner, Alessandro Testori and others. Dr Warner came to this conclusion after analyzing human case of Hutchinson's Guilford Syndrome and mouse
models of accelerated aging
.
Theory
The English word theory was derived from a technical term in Ancient Greek philosophy. The word theoria, , meant "a looking at, viewing, beholding", and referring to contemplation or speculation, as opposed to action...
which was recently formulated by several scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
s and which postulates that the aging process is the result of the inability of various types of stem cell
Stem cell
This article is about the cell type. For the medical therapy, see Stem Cell TreatmentsStem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells...
s to continue to replenish the tissues
Tissue (biology)
Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...
of an organism
Organism
In biology, an organism is any contiguous living system . In at least some form, all organisms are capable of response to stimuli, reproduction, growth and development, and maintenance of homoeostasis as a stable whole.An organism may either be unicellular or, as in the case of humans, comprise...
with functional differentiated cells capable of maintaining that tissue (or organ
Organ (anatomy)
In biology, an organ is a collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function. Usually there is a main tissue and sporadic tissues . The main tissue is the one that is unique for the specific organ. For example, main tissue in the heart is the myocardium, while sporadic are...
) original function. Some of the proponents of this theory have been Norman E. Sharpless, Ronald A. DePinho
Ronald A. DePinho
Ronald A. DePinho, M.D., president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, is internationally recognized for basic and translational research in cancer, aging and age-associated degenerative disorders....
, Huber Warner, Alessandro Testori and others. Dr Warner came to this conclusion after analyzing human case of Hutchinson's Guilford Syndrome and mouse
Mouse
A mouse is a small mammal belonging to the order of rodents. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse . It is also a popular pet. In some places, certain kinds of field mice are also common. This rodent is eaten by large birds such as hawks and eagles...
models of accelerated aging
Accelerated aging
Accelerated aging is testing that uses aggravated conditions of heat, oxygen, sunlight, vibration, etc. to speed up the normal aging processes of items. It is used to help determine the long term effects of expected levels of stress within a shorter time, usually in a laboratory by controlled...
.