The Relevance of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Study of Physiological and Premature Aging

Aging is a process characterized by several alterations, such as accumulation of macromolecular damage, genomic instability, and loss of heterochromatin, which leads to a decline in stem cell function and reduced regenerative capacity. Recently, reprogramming of aged cells has been achieved, which illustrates the reversible potential of aging and evokes the idea of rejuvenation. In this chapter, we summarize the main advances in the field of reprogramming in aging, both in vitro and in vivo, which have contributed to further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological aging. We also describe candidate therapeutic strategies that demolish age-associated reprogramming barriers and alleviate normal and premature aging.