Integrative analysis of single cell omics with cellular and functional features of ageing at a whole organ level using machine learning
Hematopoiesis is the process where hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate and mature to produce all blood cells. As individuals age, the hematopoietic system undergoes significant changes, impacting both cellular composition and the function of blood cells. The aging process is heterogeneous among individuals, and this is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The current dogma suggests that loss of HSC function during aging is causal for the overall age-associated hematopoietic dysfunction.
Our findings contradict these assertions. We observed extensive heterogeneity in a variety of hematopoietic parameters (including HSC functionality) among aged isogenic mice, despite being housed in the same controlled environment. Additionally, our results indicate no clear relationship between HSC functionality and prevalent aged-associated hematopoietic abnormalities.