To those interested,
I have not been able to keep up with the primary literature involved,
but I recall a few years back a number of articles discussing the
results of fusing 'aging' cells, such as WI38 fibroblasts and
immortalized cell lines such as HeLa. There appeared, at least in some
cases, to be a dominant 'factor' coming from the aging cells.
Additionally, there were papers suggesting that aging WI38 fibroblasts
could condition media such that its transferrence to naieve plates of
cells caused the hallmarks of the more aged cells. Is research of this
nature coninuing? Has anyone narrowed down what factor(s) may be
involved (ie transfected cDNAs derived from aging cells, etc.?)
Just curious in stimulating discussion.
Sean Stevens
stevens at rockvax.rockefeller.edu