Stress Alters Gut Microbiome, Ages Stem Cells

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University, including senior author Meng Wanzhou and co-corresponding author Linjia Jiang, published a study in the Cell Press journal Cell Stem Cell on July 2. The research describes a mechanism in mice where psychological stress accelerates aging-like changes in blood-forming stem cells by altering the intestinal microbiota. The study found that chronic stress reduces activity in specific brain regions, leading to a loss of beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus reuteri and lowered levels of spermidine. This, in turn, impairs hematopoietic stem cell function, contributing to immune aging and increased risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The findings provide a conceptual framework for developing new approaches to improve immune function and promote healthy aging, with funding from various Chinese government agencies.