Our study introduces scITDG, a tool designed for the analysis of time-dependent gene expression in single-cell transcriptomic sequencing data, effectively filling a gap in current analytical resources. A key advantage of scITDG is its ability to identify dynamic gene expression patterns across multiple time points at single-cell resolution, which is pivotal for deciphering complex biological processes such as aging and tissue regeneration. The tool is compatible with widely used single-cell analysis platforms such as Seurat and Scanpy. By integrating natural cubic splines regression with bootstrapping resampling, scITDG enhances the functionality of these platforms and broadens their applicability. In this study, based on scITDG, we revealed intricate gene expression modules in mice aging and axolotl limb regeneration, providing valuable insights into cellular function and response mechanisms. The versatility of scITDG makes it applicable to a wide range of biological contexts, including development, circadian rhythms, disease progression, and therapeutic responses.

Sarcopenia, an age-related skeletal muscle condition characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass and function, is linked to increased vulnerability, a higher likelihood of falls, and higher mortality rates in older individuals. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms driving skeletal muscle aging is of great significance in both scientific and clinical fields. Consequently, myotube models that facilitate studying regulatory mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle aging are important tools required to advance intervention strategies against skeletal muscle aging and associated disorders. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to generate human pluripotent stem cells-derived myotubes and describe their applications in aging studies, as well as a troubleshooting for potential problems. Overall, this protocol serves as a valuable methodological reference for exploring the role and mechanism of genes involved in skeletal muscle aging.

The gut microbiota, the community of gut microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in modulating host immunity, metabolism, and neurological health, thereby influencing the entire organism. Aging is associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and functionality, often resulting in dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut microbiota and an aging hallmark. Recent studies have suggested that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), the transfer of fecal material containing beneficial microbes from a healthy donor to a recipient with a disturbed microbiota, may restore the balance of host gut microbiota and ameliorate some aging-associated impairments in diverse organs. In particular, FMT from young donors has shown more beneficial effects than FMT from aged donors. In this paper, we review recent advances in FMT for its effects on aging and discuss the potential mechanisms and challenges of this novel intervention, highlighting its potential to improve health outcomes in the aging population.