# Stem cell exhaustion

Stem cell exhaustion is the age-related decline in the number, function, and regenerative capacity of tissue-resident stem cells. Drivers include accumulated DNA damage, telomere attrition, epigenetic drift, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a deteriorating niche environment. Consequences include impaired wound healing, anemia, immunosenescence, sarcopenia, and reduced tissue homeostasis. Recognized as a hallmark of aging, it is a key target for regenerative and reprogramming-based interventions.

## Sources

- López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. (2013). The Hallmarks of Aging. Cell. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.039
- López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/glossary/stem-cell-exhaustion · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-01-15_