On the evening of October 4th, a research team led by Zhou Bin at the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Studies, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, made headlines with their groundbreaking findings published in the esteemed journal Cell. They tackled a longstanding challenge in the field of cellular aging: distinguishing between the “good” and “bad” aging cells in the body.

Using advanced lineage tracing and functional study techniques, the team investigated the roles of various aging cells, especially during liver injury and repair. Their innovative approach not only clarifies the identities of these aging cells but also paves the way for more targeted interventions aimed at enhancing healing while reducing detrimental effects.

The researchers first created a sophisticated lineage tracing system specifically for aging cells, then went on to establish methodologies for functional studies. Their results revealed that after liver damage, the aging process is primarily driven by macrophages and endothelial cells. While macrophages increased significantly in response to liver injury—contributing to liver fibrosis—endothelial cells, despite exhibiting signs of aging, played a vital role in the repair process, helping to mitigate damage and fibrosis.

This research not only introduces essential techniques for studying cellular aging and regenerative medicine but also opens new pathways and theoretical frameworks for clinical treatments related to liver diseases.