Abstract

Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as Therapeutics For Extending Healthspan

Paul Robbins, Professor of Molecular Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School

A universal characteristic of aging is loss of tissue regenerative potential due to stem cell dysfunction, contributing to the dramatic increase in the risk of morbidity and mortality. We have used both naturally aged mice and mouse models of accelerated aging to demonstrate that transplantation of young, functional adult stem cells results in an extension of healthspan. In addition, we have demonstrated that stem cell-derived EVs are a key factor for conferring the observed extension of healthspan by young stem cells. Progress towards developing clinically-relevant approaches using stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to age-related pathologies will be presented. In addition, progress towards using circulating EVs as biomarkers of biological age will be presented.