Work

Aging and DNA damage are associated with the development of endothelial cell clonal expansion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Aging reshapes the vascular endothelium in unexpected ways. Using lineage tracing in mice, we show that endothelial cells undergo age-dependent clonal expansion, particularly in atheroprone regions exposed to disturbed blood flow. This process is amplified by DNA damage and reflects the selective expansion of preexisting clones rather than increased recruitment. Endothelial clonal expansion may represent an underrecognized mechanism driving vascular remodeling during aging and genotoxic stress.

Source: American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00102.2026

Authors: Hossein Abdeahad, Denisse G. Moreno, Arthur Jose Pontes Oliveira de Almeida, Larisse Virgolino da Silva Pontes, Lisa A. Lesniewski, Anthony J. Donato

Institutions: University of Utah, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center

Language: English

Topic: Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation, National Institute on Aging, Veterans Affairs Scholarship Program