The Role of Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration and Aging

In the biological systems of multicellular animals, a continuous cycle of cellular turnover is facilitated by stem cells, which replace old cells with new progeny through the process known as regeneration. This vital activity, if maintained at a consistent rate, could theoretically prevent the manifestations of aging. However, as organisms age, the rate of stem cell division and subsequent tissue regeneration declines, suggesting a key biological underpinning for aging. Within this paradigm, stem cells undergo asymmetric division to produce one daughter cell that retains stem-like properties, while the other embarks on a differentiation pathway. Intriguingly, the stem-like daughter cell retains the "immortal" DNA strand, newer proteins, and organelles, but older centrioles, whereas the differentiating daughter cell inherits older molecular structures and a newer centriole.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the complexities of stem cell behavior, particularly how it impacts tissue regeneration and aging. The goal is to understand whether the observed decline in stem cell activity is due to intrinsic limitations within both natural and artificially stimulated regeneration processes. In regenerative medicine, for example, efforts to induce tooth regrowth in adults or to mimic autotomy in animals often result in regenerated tissues that lack the complete structural and compositional maturity of their original counterparts. Likewise, current methods like 3D printing of tissues and organs face significant challenges that could potentially be overcome by a better understanding of stem cell dynamics and regeneration processes.

To gather further insights into these limitations and opportunities, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Molecular mechanisms of regeneration in planarians
- The role of stem cells in tissue renewal
- Comparative analysis of regenerative abilities in different organisms
- Immortal cells: What we can learn from planarians
- Developing regenerative medicine technologies based on planarian research
- Ethical aspects of studying biological immortality
- The role of regeneration in the evolution of planarians
- Environmental influence on regenerative abilities
- Biological limits of regeneration: Myth or reality?
- Prospects for applying planarian knowledge in anti-aging strategies
- Developing new methods for rejuvenation and treating age-related diseases
- Interdisciplinary approaches to studying aging and regeneration.

Keywords: Stem cells, regeneration, stimulated regeneration, regenerative medicine, aging

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.