The thymus gland, located in the upper chest, is responsible for the production of T cells - an important type of white blood cells that protect the body from disease.
With age, the activity of the thymus gland decreases, which weakens our immune system.
The good news is that new research suggests a potential treatment that could help us keep the thymus gland younger!
The research focused on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) - cells that have the potential to develop into many other types of cells in the body.
The researchers treated aging macaque monkeys with mesenchymal stem cells and tested their effect on the thymus gland.
This study examined the effect of aging on the thymus of rhesus monkeys and how treatment with MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) can improve its structure and function.
Methods:
- Adult rhesus monkeys were treated with MSCs.
- Thymus samples were analyzed using histological staining (HE), immunofluorescence and ELISA tests.
- Thymic senescence (TEC) models and MSCs co-culture system were established.
- Analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptional changes was performed.
- The relationship between methylation of transcription factors and mRNA expression will be examined.
- Using q-PCR, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, key genes involved in the process were identified.
Results:
- MSCs treatment improved the structure and function of the thymus in adult rhesus monkeys.
- The treatment reduced the expression levels of β-Gal, P16 and P21, markers indicating cell aging.
- The treatment increased the activity of senescent TECs.
- 501 genes with increased methylation in the promoter region were identified in the treated group compared to the untreated group.
- 23 of these genes were involved in the negative regulation of cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- 591 genes had reduced methylation in the treated group.
- 37 of these genes were associated with promoting cell growth and proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.
- 66 genes showed a negative correlation between promoter methylation levels and gene transcription.
- These genes included PDE5A, DUOX2, LAMP1 and SVIL, which were up-regulated with increased methylation, inhibition of growth and development.
- Other genes, such as POLR3G, PGF, CHTF18, KRT17, FOXJ1, NGF, DYRK3, LRP8, CDT1, PRELID1, F2R, KNTC1 and TRIM3, were down-regulated with methylation, promoting cell growth.
How did the treatment work?
The researchers found that the stem cell treatment affected certain genes in the TECs.
These genes are related to the processes of growth, reproduction and death (apoptosis) of cells.
.
Specifically:
- Inhibitor genes – certain genes have become less active due to a chemical change (methylation) of their DNA.
These genes are related to processes of inhibition of growth, culture and cell death. - Enhanced genes – other genes became more active due to decreased methylation.
These genes are related to the processes of encouraging growth, reproduction and inhibition of apoptosis.
This research is still in its early stages, but it offers hope for the future.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy may be a way to improve immune system function in older people.
Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness and safety of the treatment in humans.
Important terms:
- The thymus gland: a gland located in the upper chest and supports the normal development of the immune system.
- T cells: a type of white blood cells that protect the body against diseases.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): cells that have the potential to develop into many other types of cells in the body.
- Methylation: a chemical change in DNA that can affect the activity of genes.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320424000397?via%3Dihub
