Proliferative events ameliorate DNA damage accumulation without affecting function in hematopoietic stem cells

Abstract

AbstractProliferation and resulting accumulation of DNA damage have been causally linked with age-associated functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Using serial bleeding as a proliferative cue, we here show that increased HSC proliferation has little effect on age-associated functional decline. A surprising decrease in the DNA double-strand breaks demonstrates a probable benefit of blood donation during lifetime and warrants a relook at the effects of proliferation on HSC function.