The fact that we have accumulating evidence for circulating
(or migrating) stem cells playing a role in everything from
angiogenesis (required for wound healing -- something that
declines with age) to memory formation is beginning to point
a significant finger at cellular scenescence as being a major
player in aging.
We could probably have a long debate as to whether this is
due to telomere shortening (telomerase not being sufficiently
"on" in stem cells to prevent shortening over the average
lifespan) or accumulated DNA damage in the stem cells causing
cell checkpoint blocks on division -- but in either case --
if you can isolate, increase the number of, and return
such cells to their natural reservoirs you will likely
have a fairly effective anti-aging therapy.
Interestingly enough it will not require technology that
is much beyond that we currently have available.
Robert
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