Mitochondrial drivers of stem cell aging and inflammaging

May 28, 2026npj aging

How Mitochondria Influence Stem Cell Aging and Chronic Inflammation

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Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with stem cell exhaustion and chronic inflammation.

  • Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating aging by affecting energy production, immune signaling, and stem cell function.
  • Age-related mutations in mitochondrial DNA can impair cellular respiration and alter the availability of metabolites, impacting stem cell activity.
  • Loss of mitochondrial quality control allows harmful reactive oxygen species to accumulate, which may lead to increased inflammation.
  • Mitochondrial damage can trigger inflammatory responses by activating specific cellular signaling pathways, contributing to chronic inflammation.
  • Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) depletion may hinder cellular resilience and promote a state of senescence linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • Emerging strategies targeting mitochondria, such as NAD⁺ repletion and mitochondrial engineering, offer potential avenues for improving healthspan.

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