An international research team has developed the first comprehensive atlas mapping how human blood vessels age across different tissues, revealing that the vascular system does not age uniformly.
The findings show that aging affects various regions of the vascular network differently. Notably, venous endothelial cells in older individuals exhibited lower activity in several genes linked to the formation of "vascular sprouts," which are essential for generating new blood vessels. Furthermore, the atlas highlighted increased activity in genes associated with the protein p21, which can slow or stop cell division and lead to cellular senescence, though researchers noted these genes also respond to stress and vessel growth.
The research provides a vital foundation for future studies into age-related cardiovascular diseases and vessel regeneration. While the study offers unprecedented detail, the authors noted limitations, such as comparing data from individuals of various ages rather than tracking the same people over time, alongside incomplete lifestyle records. To support ongoing research, the team has outlined an interactive online portal allowing scientists to explore these molecular shifts further.
