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

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Hossein Abdeahad, Denisse G Moreno, Arthur José Pontes Oliveira de Almeida, Larisse Virgolino da Silva Pontes, Lisa A. Lesniewski, Anthony J. Donato
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00102.2026
Cited by: 1
References: 31

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Telomeres Telomerase and Senescence Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications Congenital heart defects research

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
6
Pages
H1876–H1882
Publication date
21 April 2026
Language
EN