Volume 5

In this issue of Nature Aging, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa comments on their regional Framework to Strengthen the Implementation of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, and Mary Amoakoh-Coleman from the University of Ghana discusses the underdiagnosis of dementia in Ghana. The cover image depicts a map of the African Region and beyond, with bright lines forming a connective pattern that represents working together to promote brain health in Africa.

See Amoakoh-Coleman, M. and WHO Regional Office for Africa

Mammals largely do not have the ability to regenerate organs. Deer antlers, however, regrow annually. This regrowth is facilitated by a population of stem cells called antler blastema progenitor cells (ABPCs). In this issue, Hao and colleagues export the restorative capacity of ABPCs: they report that ABPC-derived extracellular vesicle treatment counteracts bone loss and epigenetic aging, and is neuroprotective, in mice and macaques. The cover image shows Cervus nippon, the Sika deer, whose antlers generate ABPCs during regrowth.

See Hao, Y. et al.

The reshaping of the immune system that occurs during aging has detrimental consequences. In this Focus issue, Nature Aging presents a series of reviews and opinion pieces on recent advances in immune aging research. The cover image depicts immune cells generated over the life course as robots being produced for release into the periphery. Reflecting immune aging, older robots acquire rust and malfunction, and transition from healer to saboteur.

See Editorial

In this issue, Fuentealba et al. construct a DNA-methylation-based measure of intrinsic capacity. The cover image shows methylated DNA wrapped around histones. On top of each nucleosome are figures that represent the five domains of intrinsic capacity: locomotion, cognition, sensory function, vitality and psychological well-being.

See Fuentealba et al.

In this issue, Hoelzl and colleagues catalog genes that escape inactivation in major organs throughout the mouse lifespan and reveal that aging promotes reactivation of the X chromosome at distal regions. The cover image depicts the Three Fates, who according to Greek mythology, manipulate the threads of human life and death. The Fates are shown as three older women carved from marble, unraveling the threads of the X chromosome.

See Hoelzl et al.

In this issue, Xiaoting Dai and colleagues report that the sexual lineage of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea exhibits age-associated physiological decline that is reversed by amputation-induced regeneration of lost tissue. The cover image shows two planarians and planarian egg capsules.

See Dai et al.

In this issue, Toghani, Gupte and colleagues identify semaphorin 4A as a protective regulator of myeloid-biased hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The cover image depicts semaphorin 4A as a melody, promoting resilience in the aged bone marrow. An older couple, symbolizing HSCs, gracefully waltz to an adagio performed by their family string quartet, who represent semaphorin 4A-secreting, HSC-derived neutrophils. A warm spotlight, which represents the quiescent and resilient state promoted by semaphorin 4A, contrasts against the storm of inflammation outside of their protective grotto.

See Toghani, D. et al.

: In this issue, a World View from Dan Nussey discusses how long-term wild animal studies such as the St Kilda Soay sheep project, which has run in its current form since 1985, can help us to understand physiological resilience and healthy aging. The cover image shows three Soay sheep, descendants of feral sheep that were introduced to the Scottish islands by seafarers at least 2,000 years ago.

See Nussey, D.

In this issue, Chien-Wei Lee et al. demonstrate that ginkgolide B has geroprotective properties in mice. The treatment, administered to female mice, extends lifespan and enhances healthspan. The cover image shows the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, a deciduous tree native to east Asia, from which ginkgolide B can be extracted.

See Lee et al.

In this issue, Xinliang Ming, Ze Yang, Yuqiao Huang and colleagues develop a bifunctional peptide that links senescent and natural killer cells to induce immunological removal of senescent cells in fibrosis, injury, cancer and naturally aged mouse models. The cover image depicts the peptide as a scale on which senescent cells (left) are balanced with immune cells (right). The beneficial effects of this immunotherapy approach are symbolized by scattering senescent cells and sprouting tree branches.

See Ming et al.