Dutch super-centenarian’s super stem cells spur scientific revelation
On April 23, 2014, Dutch scientists studying somatic mutations at the VU Medical Centre in Amsterdam published a paper in the journal Genome Research, revealing one more astounding medical phenomenon: Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper’s body had only two functioning stem cells at the time of her death.
According to the report, scientists studying van Andel-Schipper’s blood and other tissue noticed that all of her white blood cells, necessary for a healthy immune system, were being created by two stem cells. Furthermore, scientists noted that van Andel-Schipper’s blood cells contained a completely harmless mutation that indicated a far superior ability for her body to correct mutation.
More interesting however, was that the stem cells’ telomeres – tips at the end of chromosomes that aid in cell division – were 17 per cent more worn down than healthy stem cells. Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper’s cells indicate that stem cells can actually wear out through thousands upon thousands of divisions until they die.
“Is there a limit to the number of stem cell divisions, and does that imply that there’s a limit to human life?” asked Henne Holstege, the head of the research team at the VU Medical Centre, in an interview with New Scientist Magazine. “Or can you get [around] that by replenishment with cells saved from earlier in your life?”
At birth, most humans contain 20,000 to 25,000 stem cells. The cells act as perfect photocopiers throughout the body, becoming part of the body’s internal network of cells and organelles and contributing to cell division and propagation.
Cells continuously divide, from the moment of conception until the moment of death. Like regular cells, stem cells undergo rudimentary cell division. Unlike normal cells, however, stem cells are capable of dividing into specialized cells, like nerve cells or blood cells, with a more specific function.
The report, published by Holstege, Wayne Pfeiffer, and several others, concludes that life is defined by the number of times stem cells can continue to divide. Once stem cells can no longer contribute to cell division, it seems that other cells systematically cease production until they die in a process called apoptosis (or cell death).
For scientists hoping to crack the mystery of eternal life or for those simply trying to find a way to combat disease and harmful mutation, the analysis of Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper’s body will no doubt continue to present meaningful answers.
Though optimistic about the future of medicine and the possibilities raised by her blood, Holstege is quick to explain that van Andel-Schipper’s stem cells do not indicate the existence of a biological fountain of youth.
“If I took a sample now and gave it back to myself when I’m older, I would have long telomeres again,” explained Holstege. “Although, it might only be possible with blood, not other tissues.”