[Aging and clonal hematopoesis.]

ABSTRACT

The number of somatic mutations among all tissues increases along with age. This process was well-studied in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Some mutations lead to a proliferative advantage and expansion of HSCs to form a dominant clone. Clonal hematopoiesis is general in the elderly population. Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a more common phenomenon in the elderly and is defined as somatic mutations in clonal blood cells without any other hematological malignancies. The development of CHIP is an independent risk factor for hematological malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced overall survival. CHIP is frequently associated with mutations in DNMT3A and TET2 genes involved in DNA methylation. The epigenetic human body clocks have been developed based on the age-related changes in methylation, making it possible to detect epigenetic aging. The combination of epigenetic aging and CHUP is associated with adverse health outcomes. Further research will reveal the significance of clonal hematopoiesis and CHIP in aging, acquiring various diseases, and determining the feasibility of influencing the mutagenic potential of clones.