Changes in ribosomal activity and proteostasis in hematopoietic stem cell aging
Blood-forming stem cells regenerate all of our blood and immune cells throughout life. Unfortunately, stem cell function deteriorates during aging, leading to an increased incidence of blood and immune disorders as well as leukemia in older adults. Dr. Kasu's lab discovered that healthy stem cells depend on maintaining precise protein production, but several factors that control this process are altered during aging. Dr. Kasu aims to examine if changes in protein production cause stress in old stem cells and to determine if these changes contribute to defects in blood cell production during aging. This work will offer key new insights into how blood-forming stem cell function declines during aging and will provide new therapeutic targets for keeping stem cells fit and preventing degenerative and malignant blood disorders in older people.
