|
1
|
Sun ED, Nagvekar R, Pogson AN, Brunet A. Brain aging and rejuvenation at single-cell resolution. Neuron 2025; 113:82-108. [PMID: 39788089 PMCID: PMC11842159 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2024] [Revised: 11/16/2024] [Accepted: 12/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
Brain aging leads to a decline in cognitive function and a concomitant increase in the susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. A key question is how changes within individual cells of the brain give rise to age-related dysfunction. Developments in single-cell "omics" technologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics, have facilitated high-dimensional profiling of individual cells. These technologies have led to new and comprehensive characterizations of brain aging at single-cell resolution. Here, we review insights gleaned from single-cell omics studies of brain aging, starting with a cell-type-centric overview of age-associated changes and followed by a discussion of cell-cell interactions during aging. We highlight how single-cell omics studies provide an unbiased view of different rejuvenation interventions and comment on the promise of combinatorial rejuvenation approaches for the brain. Finally, we propose new directions, including models of brain aging and neural stem cells as a focal point for rejuvenation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Sun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rahul Nagvekar
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Genetics Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angela N Pogson
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Dong X, Pei G, Yang Z, Huang S. Flavonoid chrysin activates both TrkB and FGFR1 receptors while upregulates their endogenous ligands such as brain derived neurotrophic factor to promote human neurogenesis. Cell Prolif 2025; 58:e13732. [PMID: 39331585 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells (NSCs) and plays a crucial role in neurological diseases. The process involves a series of steps, including NSC proliferation, migration and differentiation, which are regulated by multiple pathways such as neurotrophic Trk and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) signalling. Despite the discovery of numerous compounds capable of modulating individual stages of neurogenesis, it remains challenging to identify an agent that can regulate multiple cellular processes of neurogenesis. Here, through screening of bioactive compounds in dietary functional foods, we identified a flavonoid chrysin that not only enhanced the human NSCs proliferation but also facilitated neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth. Further mechanistic study revealed the effect of chrysin was attenuated by inhibition of neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase-B (TrkB) receptor. Consistently, chrysin activated TrkB and downstream ERK1/2 and AKT. Intriguingly, we found that the effect of chrysin was also reduced by FGFR1 blockade. Moreover, extended treatment of chrysin enhanced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, as well as FGF1 and FGF8. Finally, chrysin was found to promote neurogenesis in human cerebral organoids by increasing the organoid expansion and folding, which was also mediated by TrkB and FGFR1 signalling. To conclude, our study indicates that activating both TrkB and FGFR1 signalling could be a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions in neurological diseases, and chrysin appears to be a potential candidate for the development of such treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Pei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-Based Biomedicine, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Xu L, Ramirez-Matias J, Hauptschein M, Sun ED, Lunger JC, Buckley MT, Brunet A. Restoration of neuronal progenitors by partial reprogramming in the aged neurogenic niche. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:546-567. [PMID: 38553564 PMCID: PMC12036604 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Partial reprogramming (pulsed expression of reprogramming transcription factors) improves the function of several tissues in old mice. However, it remains largely unknown how partial reprogramming impacts the old brain. Here we use single-cell transcriptomics to systematically examine how partial reprogramming influences the subventricular zone neurogenic niche in aged mouse brains. Whole-body partial reprogramming mainly improves neuroblasts (cells committed to give rise to new neurons) in the old neurogenic niche, restoring neuroblast proportion to more youthful levels. Interestingly, targeting partial reprogramming specifically to the neurogenic niche also boosts the proportion of neuroblasts and their precursors (neural stem cells) in old mice and improves several molecular signatures of aging, suggesting that the beneficial effects of reprogramming are niche intrinsic. In old neural stem cell cultures, partial reprogramming cell autonomously restores the proportion of neuroblasts during differentiation and blunts some age-related transcriptomic changes. Importantly, partial reprogramming improves the production of new neurons in vitro and in old brains. Our work suggests that partial reprogramming could be used to rejuvenate the neurogenic niche and counter brain decline in old individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Xu
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Max Hauptschein
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric D Sun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Judith C Lunger
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Mas-Bargues C. Mitochondria pleiotropism in stem cell senescence: Mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:657-671. [PMID: 37739140 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline in cellular and tissue function, ultimately leading to organismal aging. Stem cells, with their regenerative potential, play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and repair throughout an organism's lifespan. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, have emerged as key players in the aging process, impacting stem cell function and contributing to age-related tissue dysfunction. Here are discuss the mechanisms through which mitochondria influence stem cell fate decisions, including energy production, metabolic regulation, ROS signalling, and epigenetic modifications. Therefore, this review highlights the role of mitochondria in driving stem cell senescence and the subsequent impact on tissue function, leading to overall organismal aging and age-related diseases. Finally, we explore potential anti-aging therapies targeting mitochondrial health and discuss their implications for promoting healthy aging. This comprehensive review sheds light on the critical interplay between mitochondrial function, stem cell senescence, and organismal aging, offering insights into potential strategies for attenuating age-related decline and promoting healthy longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mas-Bargues
- Freshage Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERFES-ISCIII), INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Yeo RW, Zhou OY, Zhong BL, Sun ED, Navarro Negredo P, Nair S, Sharmin M, Ruetz TJ, Wilson M, Kundaje A, Dunn AR, Brunet A. Chromatin accessibility dynamics of neurogenic niche cells reveal defects in neural stem cell adhesion and migration during aging. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:866-893. [PMID: 37443352 PMCID: PMC10353944 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The regenerative potential of brain stem cell niches deteriorates during aging. Yet the mechanisms underlying this decline are largely unknown. Here we characterize genome-wide chromatin accessibility of neurogenic niche cells in vivo during aging. Interestingly, chromatin accessibility at adhesion and migration genes decreases with age in quiescent neural stem cells (NSCs) but increases with age in activated (proliferative) NSCs. Quiescent and activated NSCs exhibit opposing adhesion behaviors during aging: quiescent NSCs become less adhesive, whereas activated NSCs become more adhesive. Old activated NSCs also show decreased migration in vitro and diminished mobilization out of the niche for neurogenesis in vivo. Using tension sensors, we find that aging increases force-producing adhesions in activated NSCs. Inhibiting the cytoskeletal-regulating kinase ROCK reduces these adhesions, restores migration in old activated NSCs in vitro, and boosts neurogenesis in vivo. These results have implications for restoring the migratory potential of NSCs and for improving neurogenesis in the aged brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin W Yeo
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivia Y Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brian L Zhong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric D Sun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Surag Nair
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mahfuza Sharmin
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tyson J Ruetz
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mikaela Wilson
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anshul Kundaje
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander R Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Brunet A, Goodell MA, Rando TA. Ageing and rejuvenation of tissue stem cells and their niches. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:45-62. [PMID: 35859206 PMCID: PMC9879573 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00510-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Most adult organs contain regenerative stem cells, often organized in specific niches. Stem cell function is critical for tissue homeostasis and repair upon injury, and it is dependent on interactions with the niche. During ageing, stem cells decline in their regenerative potential and ability to give rise to differentiated cells in the tissue, which is associated with a deterioration of tissue integrity and health. Ageing-associated changes in regenerative tissue regions include defects in maintenance of stem cell quiescence, differentiation ability and bias, clonal expansion and infiltration of immune cells in the niche. In this Review, we discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying ageing in the regenerative regions of different tissues as well as potential rejuvenation strategies. We focus primarily on brain, muscle and blood tissues, but also provide examples from other tissues, such as skin and intestine. We describe the complex interactions between different cell types, non-cell-autonomous mechanisms between ageing niches and stem cells, and the influence of systemic factors. We also compare different interventions for the rejuvenation of old regenerative regions. Future outlooks in the field of stem cell ageing are discussed, including strategies to counter ageing and age-dependent disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Ageing, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Margaret A Goodell
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Ageing, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Neurology Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|