撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 暴露组 （ exposome， 指个体终身经历的环境暴露的总和） 对健康具有深远影响。体细胞组织会随年龄 增长发生功能性衰退，并呈现特征性衰老表型，包括 头发变白 和 癌症发生 。然而，导致每种表型的具体 基因毒素、信号通路以及细胞机制，在很大程度上仍属未知。 2025 年 10 月 6 日，东京大学的研究人员在 Nature 子刊 Nature Cell Biology 上发表了题为： Antagonistic stem cell fates under stress govern decisions between hair greying and melanoma 的研 究论文。 衰老 和 癌症 通常被视为截然不同的组织命运。而该研究发现了一种称为 衰老耦联分化 （senescence- coupled differentiation） 的保护性程序，该程序通过促使易癌变干细胞分化来清除这些干细胞。 在致癌 压力下， 黑色素干细胞 遵循这一路径，将会出现 头发变白 ，而绕过这一路径，将形成 黑色素瘤 。 研究团队通过追踪小鼠 黑色素干细胞 （ McSC） 命运，发 ...

Core Insights - The gut microbiome is a significant predictor of health, influencing metabolism, weight, brain health, and aging [3][4] - Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbes, is linked to various chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders [22][30] Group 1: Microbiome and Health - The gut microbiome consists of over 30 trillion microbes, comparable in number to human cells, and plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption [5][10] - Changes in the microbiome can occur rapidly in response to diet, antibiotics, and environmental factors, affecting overall health and resilience [8][13] - Dysbiosis can lead to increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and is associated with conditions like metabolic syndrome and autoimmune diseases [22][23][24] Group 2: Chronic Diseases Linked to Dysbiosis - Cardiovascular disease is linked to dysbiosis through microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is associated with higher risks of heart attack and stroke [25][31] - Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's show microbial shifts that may precede clinical symptoms, suggesting potential for early intervention [28][51] - Mental health issues, including major depressive disorder, have been correlated with reduced levels of beneficial gut bacteria [27][32] Group 3: Dietary Influence on the Microbiome - A diverse, plant-based diet rich in fiber, resistant starches, and polyphenols is essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome [35][39][54] - Fermented foods can enhance microbial diversity and reduce inflammation, supporting overall gut health [38][54] - Long-term dietary changes are necessary to achieve lasting improvements in microbiome composition, as short-term diets often revert to baseline [42][44] Group 4: Future of Microbiome Research and Therapies - Precision probiotics and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) are being explored as potential treatments for metabolic and neurological disorders [46][49] - Emerging diagnostics, such as stool sequencing and capsule-based sampling, may allow for personalized microbiome-targeted therapies [51][52] - The integration of diet, lifestyle, and microbial therapeutics is anticipated to be the future approach for optimizing gut health and overall well-being [52][53]

Core Viewpoint - Aging is a major risk factor for various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and is associated with the accumulation of senescent cells that propagate the aging process through paracrine signaling [2] Group 1: Research Findings - The research published in Nature Aging demonstrates that border-associated macrophages (BAM) regulate cognitive aging by inducing paracrine senescence in microglia through migrasome-mediated mechanisms [4][8] - In the early stages of brain aging, BAM acquire senescence-related characteristics, potentially due to prolonged exposure to beta-amyloid (Aβ) [7] - Senescent-like BAM exhibit increased production of migrasomes, which transmit aging-related signals to neighboring cells, particularly microglia, inhibiting their apoptosis and promoting senescence induction [8] Group 2: Intervention Strategies - The research team developed intervention strategies targeting migrasome production by delivering siRNA to block Tspan4, which can improve cognitive deficits in aged mice [8] - These findings suggest that migrasomes are powerful carriers of aging regulatory signals and represent a promising target for Senomorphic therapies, which aim to inhibit the senescence-associated secretory phenotype without affecting cell death [8]

Core Viewpoint - The study reveals that the decline in leptin levels with age contributes to the accumulation of senescent CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, leading to weakened anti-tumor effects. Regulating leptin levels may be a promising therapeutic strategy for elderly cancer patients [3][7][10]. Group 1: Aging and T Cell Dysfunction - Aging is a major risk factor for various cancers, with patients aged 65 and above accounting for 60% of new cancer diagnoses [5]. - T cell immune remodeling due to aging results in poor clinical outcomes for cancer patients, as T cells lose physiological functions over time [5]. - Age-related changes in T cells and the impact of systemic metabolic alterations on T cell function and phenotype require further investigation [5]. Group 2: Role of Leptin - Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, informs the brain about the body's fat storage levels, with higher fat leading to increased leptin production [6]. - The study found that decreased leptin levels with age accelerate CD8+ T cell senescence, impairing T cell function in the tumor microenvironment [7][8]. - In human cancer patients, plasma leptin levels are negatively correlated with the degree of CD8+ T cell senescence within tumors [7][8]. Group 3: Implications for Treatment - The findings suggest that enhancing plasma leptin levels through the regulation of adipocyte metabolism may help prevent T cell senescence and improve anti-tumor immunity in elderly patients [10]. - Supplementing leptin could have therapeutic potential for elderly cancer patients [10].

Core Viewpoint - Taurine deficiency is identified as a potential driver of aging, with supplementation showing promise in extending healthspan and lifespan in various model organisms [3][7]. Group 1: Research Findings on Taurine - A study published in Science on June 9, 2023, suggests that taurine deficiency contributes to aging, and its supplementation can slow aging in model organisms, extending the healthspan of middle-aged mice by 12% [3][7]. - Subsequent studies in top journals like Cell and Nature have revealed taurine's new functions, including enhancing cancer treatment efficacy and anti-obesity effects [3]. - However, a study published in Nature on May 14, 2025, indicates that taurine in the tumor microenvironment may promote leukemia cell growth, suggesting a complex role of taurine in cancer [4]. Group 2: Critiques and Counterarguments - A study published in Science on June 5, 2025, questions taurine as an aging biomarker, showing no significant correlation between taurine levels and aging [5]. - Research published in Aging Cell on August 11, 2025, assessed 137 adults aged 20-93 and found no relationship between serum taurine levels and age, muscle mass, strength, or physical function [8][10]. - The findings indicate that taurine deficiency is unlikely to be a primary driver of human aging, challenging previous assumptions about its role [12].

Group 1 - The core idea of the article revolves around the identification of environmental factors that accelerate biological aging, which increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes [1][2]. - A large-scale study conducted by Stanford University scientists analyzed thousands of middle-aged individuals to uncover unexpected factors contributing to accelerated aging [2][3]. Group 2 - The study utilized two main research tools: Exposome and epigenetic clocks to systematically investigate the relationship between environmental chemicals and aging [4][5][7][8]. - The Exposome encompasses all environmental factors a person is exposed to throughout their life, influencing gene activity and aging speed [5][6]. Group 3 - The research identified three major accelerators of aging: smoking, cadmium, and lead [13]. - Higher levels of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, were linked to increased biological aging, with a standard deviation increase in cotinine leading to a 1.40-year acceleration in the GrimAge clock [15][16][17]. Group 4 - Cadmium was found to be the most significant biological aging accelerator, with a standard deviation increase in serum cadmium resulting in a 1.23-year increase in GrimAge and a 0.02 unit increase in DunedinPoAm [19][20][21]. - Lead exposure was also significantly associated with accelerated aging, with a standard deviation increase in blood lead levels correlating to a 0.73-year increase in GrimAge [28][30]. Group 5 - Interestingly, exposure to certain toxic chemicals like dioxins and PCBs was associated with a decrease in epigenetic age, suggesting a complex relationship between toxicity and biological aging [33][34]. - The study proposed a "debt potential" hypothesis, where exposure to these toxins may lead to the production of younger immune cells as a compensatory mechanism [36][37]. Group 6 - Positive factors influencing slower aging included beneficial dietary components and higher socioeconomic status, which were linked to better health outcomes and slower biological aging [40][41][42]. - The research emphasized that individuals can actively manage their "exposome" to slow down aging, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking and maintaining a diverse diet [45][48].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking study that constructs a comprehensive human proteome aging map across a 50-year lifespan, revealing critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging and potential intervention targets [3][4][19]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study integrates ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry and machine learning to create a dynamic landscape of protein aging across seven physiological systems and 13 key tissues [4]. - It identifies protein information disruption as a core feature of organ aging, highlighting the role of mRNA-protein decoupling and pathological amyloid deposition in the systemic collapse of proteostasis networks [7]. - The vascular system is established as a "pioneer organ" in the aging process, significantly deviating from homeostatic trajectories early in life [7]. Group 2: Molecular Characterization of Aging - The research confirms that aging is accompanied by systemic proteostasis imbalance, characterized by a breakdown of the central dogma information flow, leading to impaired conversion of genetic information into functional proteins [9]. - Key findings include widespread accumulation of pathological proteins, forming an inflammatory aging network, which serves as a molecular basis for inflammaging [9][10]. Group 3: Aging Milestones and Mechanisms - The study identifies around 30 years of age as a critical inflection point for aging trajectories, with adrenal tissues showing early aging characteristics [12]. - A significant biological transition occurs between 45-55 years, where most organ proteomes experience a "molecular cascade storm," marking a key window for systemic aging acceleration [12][21]. Group 4: Vascular Aging Mechanisms - The research validates the "vascular aging hub" hypothesis, demonstrating that specific senescence-associated secretory factors, such as GAS6, drive endothelial and smooth muscle cell aging [15][16]. - Evidence supports the theory of "aging diffusion," where local aging tissues influence distant organs through specific secretory factors [16]. Group 5: Implications for Aging Research and Interventions - The study proposes a new framework for systemic aging research, moving beyond single-tissue models to a multi-organ interaction network [19]. - It introduces a novel tool for precise aging assessment through the development of organ-specific "proteome aging clocks," enabling non-invasive evaluation of biological age [20]. - Key intervention targets are identified, including factors mediating inter-organ signaling and common biomarkers, with the 45-55 age range highlighted as a critical intervention window [21]. - The findings pave the way for proactive aging disease prevention strategies, shifting from reactive treatment to early intervention based on molecular aging clocks [23]. Group 6: Methodological Innovations - The research successfully combines ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry, AI modeling, and multi-scale omics analysis to create a comprehensive framework for studying aging [24]. - This methodological advancement enhances the understanding of human aging and accelerates the translation of life sciences technologies into clinical applications [24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of antler blastema progenitor cells (ABPC) and their extracellular vesicles (EV ABPC) in promoting healthy aging and reversing age-related conditions in mice and macaques, highlighting their unique regenerative capabilities and implications for anti-aging therapies [4][10][12]. Group 1: Research Findings - A recent study published in Nature Aging demonstrates that EV ABPC can reverse bone loss and mitigate aging-related phenotypes in animal models [3][4]. - The study identifies unique factors within EV ABPC that alleviate aging symptoms, such as improving bone mineral density and enhancing cognitive function in aged mice and macaques [11][12]. - EV ABPC treatment resulted in a reversal of epigenetic age by over three months in mice and over two years in macaques, indicating significant anti-aging effects [11]. Group 2: Characteristics of ABPC - ABPC, a type of mesenchymal stem cell found in deer antlers, exhibits remarkable regenerative potential, capable of driving rapid bone growth at a rate of 2.75 cm per day, leading to antlers weighing up to 15 kg and measuring 120 cm in three months [10]. - Unlike traditional mesenchymal stem cells, which show signs of aging after 10-15 culture cycles, ABPC maintains its proliferation and regenerative abilities even after 50 culture cycles [10]. - ABPC is noted as the only postnatal mammalian stem cell capable of complete organ regeneration, underscoring its potential as a source for anti-aging therapies [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of systemic inflammation on the aging of muscle stem cells (MuSC) and highlights a mechanism linking chronic inflammation to stem cell aging and ferroptosis, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to combat age-related muscle degeneration [4][11][13]. Group 1: Mechanism of Aging and Inflammation - Systemic inflammation induces epigenetic erosion, promoting ferroptosis in muscle stem cells, while long-term suppression of systemic inflammation can effectively prevent ferroptosis and maintain muscle stem cell numbers [4][11]. - The study reveals that age-related inflammation decreases H4K20 monomethylation levels in MuSCs, disrupting their quiescent state and leading to ferroptosis [11]. - Inflammation signals downregulate the enzyme Kmt5a, which is responsible for H4K20me1 accumulation, resulting in the epigenetic silencing of genes that counteract ferroptosis [11]. Group 2: Impact on Muscle Regeneration - Aging is characterized by a decline in muscle mass, strength, and regenerative capacity, leading to decreased quality of life in the elderly [7]. - Muscle stem cells play a crucial role in muscle repair and maintenance, but their function significantly declines with age due to both intrinsic changes and external factors like inflammation [7][8]. - Chronic systemic inflammation is one of the most important external factors leading to stem cell aging, as it inhibits muscle regeneration [8][9]. Group 3: Research Findings and Implications - The research emphasizes that aging cells are a major contributor to age-related inflammation in the muscle stem cell microenvironment, impairing their regenerative capacity [9]. - Long-term suppression of inflammation starting at middle age (12 months in mice) can restore muscle vitality and promote functional recovery [11][13]. - These findings reveal an epigenetic switch linking chronic inflammation to muscle stem cell aging and ferroptosis, providing potential therapeutic strategies against age-related muscle degeneration [13].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese researchers have developed a compound named proAX that significantly extends the lifespan of nematodes by activating mitochondrial respiration and enhancing cellular energy metabolism [1] Group 1: Compound Development - The compound proAX improves mitochondrial function, which is crucial for synthesizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the direct energy source for life activities [1] - The research highlights a scarcity of effective drugs globally that can enhance mitochondrial respiration and increase ATP levels [1] Group 2: Research Findings - Experimental results demonstrate that proAX can significantly prolong the lifespan of laboratory nematodes [1] - The findings have been published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, indicating a peer-reviewed validation of the research [1] Group 3: Future Research Directions - The research team plans to further evaluate the effects of proAX in mammalian models, such as mice, to assess its potential for broader applications [1]