Cardiac aging - Getting to the stem of the problem

J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2015 Jun:83:32-6. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.04.008. Epub 2015 Apr 14.

Abstract

Cardiac aging is a heterogeneous process caused by a combination of stochastic events which manifests as loss of structure and function in the heart, however several recent studies draw attention to aging being primarily a stem cell problem. This review summarizes findings in support of the "stem cell hypothesis of aging" and discusses the impact of age on cardiac stem cells and the niche. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'CV Aging'.

Keywords: Aging; Cardiac stem/progenitor cells; Heart.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Animals
  • Cardiomyopathies / genetics
  • Cardiomyopathies / metabolism
  • Cardiomyopathies / pathology*
  • Cardiomyopathies / therapy
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Stem Cell Niche / physiology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / pathology*