New Insights into Aging: Scientists Map Aging Process Across Multiple Organs
NEW DELHI - A groundbreaking study by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and BGI Research has shed new light on the aging process, particularly focusing on the role of immunoglobulins. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the research details how aging affects various organs through spatial transcriptomics.
The study involved analyzing millions of spatial spots across nine organs in male mice, creating high-precision spatial transcriptomic maps. These maps showcased the distribution of over 70 cell types, revealing how aging impacts the spatial structure and cellular identity across different tissues.
Professor Liu Guanghui, one of the study's corresponding authors, highlighted the significance of the findings. "This landscape, which we call Gerontological Geography (GG), not only maps the epicenters of aging but also identifies the accumulation of immunoglobulins as a pivotal aging characteristic and driver," he explained.
The research identified universal signs of systemic aging such as increased spatial structural disorder and the loss of cellular identity. These findings suggest that the deterioration in spatial structure could be a primary contributor to the functional decline of organs as they age.
Moreover, the team pinpointed specific regions within tissues, termed senescence-sensitive spots (SSS), which are particularly vulnerable to the effects of aging. These spots show higher structural entropy and a greater loss of cellular identity, suggesting they could be central to the aging process in organs.
"This is the first study to provide a spatial transcriptomic map of pan-organ aging in mammals, pinpointing where and how aging affects our bodies at a cellular level," said Professor Liu. "Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new strategies for delaying aging and mitigating age-related diseases."
This pioneering work not only expands our understanding of the aging process but also opens up new research avenues for interventions aimed at extending healthy lifespans. The findings are expected to influence future gerontological research and therapeutic developments targeting aging-related issues.