Aging and lineage allocation changes of bone marrow skeletal (stromal) stem cells

Aging is associated with decreased bone mass and accumulation of bone marrow adipocytes. Both bone forming osteoblastic cells and bone marrow adipocytes are derived from a stem cell population within the bone marrow stroma called bone marrow stromal (skeletal or mesenchymal) stem cells (BMSC). In the present review, we provide an overview, based on the current literature, regarding the physiological aging processes that cause changes in BMSC lineage allocation, enhancement of adipocyte and defective osteoblast differentiation, leading to gradual exhaustion of stem cell regenerative potential and defects in bone tissue homeostasis and metabolism. We discuss strategies to preserve the “youthful” state of BMSC, to reduce bone marrow age-associated adiposity, and to counteract the overall negative effects of aging on bone tissues with the aim of decreasing bone fragility and risk of fractures.