This study shows how telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) assists growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) to rejuvenate senescent endothelial progenitor cells via the Smad2/3 and eNOS pathways. Therapeutically, it may be possible to exploit TERT mediated-GDF11 signaling to activate senescent stem cells in the myocardial ischemic microenvironment.
- Lan Zhao
- Shaoheng Zhang
- Qunlin Gong