An inflammatory and quiescent HSC subpopulation expands with age in humans.

Genome biology
Authors
Abstract

Aging of the blood system impacts systemic health and can be traced to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Despite multiple reports on human HSC aging, a unified map detailing their molecular age-related changes is lacking. We developed a consensus map of gene expression in HSCs by integrating seven single-cell datasets. This map reveals previously unappreciated heterogeneity within the HSC population. It also links inflammatory pathway activation (TNF/NFκB, AP-1) and quiescence within a single gene expression program. This program dominates an inflammatory HSC subpopulation that increases with age, highlighting a potential target for further experimental studies and anti-aging interventions.

Year of Publication
2026
Journal
Genome biology
Date Published
01/2026
ISSN
1474-760X
DOI
10.1186/s13059-026-03936-z
PubMed ID
41546063
Links