Genome Biol. 2026 May 29. doi: 10.1186/s13059-026-04119-6. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transition through different functional states throughout life from emergence and expansion in the fetus, homeostasis maintenance in adulthood, and progressive functional decline with age. Aged HSCs are characterized by increased phenotypic number, decreased self-renewal and long-term reconstitution capacity, myeloid-biased differentiation, and clonal hematopoiesis. In this review, we summarize the life cycle of HSCs, integrate recent advances in understanding the cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that drive HSC aging, and highlight innovative rejuvenation strategies that could be harnessed to delay HSC and systemic aging.
PMID:42216078 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-026-04119-6