A recent investigation conducted by scholars at Osaka University has shone a light on what could be key factors in promoting a healthier aging process
The research, documented in the scientific journal Blood, presents compelling evidence about the essential function selenoproteins serve in safeguarding hematopoietic stem cells—those responsible for blood cell formation—from harm. This discovery underscores the crucial need for a harmonized balance between oxidants and antioxidants in sustaining human health.
The Significance of Selenoproteins in Stem Cell Preservation and Immune Function
The protective attribute of selenoproteins lies in their capability to transmute reactive oxygen species (ROS)—molecules that can inflict damage on lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—into less damaging substances, thereby warding off illness. Without protection against oxidative harm, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are pivotal in the emergence of age-linked illnesses, are particularly vulnerable. “Our observations showed that HSCs diminished in selenoprotein production as they aged. The impact of this on cell senescence and the potential for reversal was not fully understood,” says Yumi Aoyama, one of the principal investigators.
In dissecting their role, the study’s authors suppressed the gene responsible for the creation of selenoproteins in mice to study the ramifications on diverse types of cells. They recorded that, in the absence of these vital enzymes, HSCs, as well as immune cells from the B cell lineage, were detrimentally affected, while myeloid cells were comparatively resilient. “The most striking observation following gene knockout was a reduction in B cells,” shares Hiromi Yamazaki, another primary author of the study. Disruption of selenoprotein production was tied to age-related gene expression changes and the inclination of B cell precursors to assume myeloid characteristics.
Senior researcher Daichi Inoue adds, “Our findings clearly display that the loss of selenoprotein’s protective role has distinct outcomes on different cell lineages, underscoring the fact that these enzymes are vital in combating lipid peroxides that build up as we age.”
The team also investigated the possibility of leveraging nutritional interventions to rejuvenate aging cells. An experiment with Vitamin E supplementation revealed its potential in defending blood formation processes and restoring the proper differentiation of B cells.
The research from Osaka University provides insights into how selenoproteins support the accurate self-renewal of HSCs and the uniform evolution of cells within the B cell lineage, which could play a role in warding off diseases that are common in later years. Approaches for augmenting selenoprotein synthesis could present new avenues for preventing conditions associated with aging.
Support for the study came from a number of Japanese and international research entities, including the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the American Society of Hematology, all invested in advancing our understanding of healthy aging.
