Tracing blood stem cell clones with somatic epimutations

The presentation discusses the critical role of stem cells in the blood system, highlighting how they generate billions of cells daily. It emphasizes the impact of aging on stem cell behavior, particularly the clonal expansions that can weaken immunity and potentially lead to leukemia. A novel method for analyzing DNA methylation at the single-cell level is introduced, which allows for precise tracking of clonal expansions and differentiation states. The findings reveal that clonal expansions are more significant for health outcomes than genetic mutations, especially in older individuals. The study underscores the importance of collaboration and sets the stage for future research integrating RNA analysis.