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The loss of stem cells, through cell dysfunction or senescence, is thought to contribute to biological aging. Recently, Hongbo Zhang and colleagues have shown that activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, a retrograde stress response, through administration with an NAD+-raising compound, can rejuvenate stem cells and extend lifespan in mice.
Astrocytes are emerging as essential regulators of brain metastasis progression. In a current issue of Nature, Chen et al. identify a novel mechanism of astrocyte-carcinoma interaction and exploit vulnerabilities therein to slow brain metastatic growth in pre-clinical models.
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) sponsoring hematopoiesis are preserved in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment or niche. Here, Itkin et al. demonstrate how distinct blood vessels contribute to HSC maintenance and hematopoiesis in the BM niches.