The puzzling duality of mesenchymal stem cells and adipocytes in bone marrow and ageing

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow (BM) play a role in the development of BM adipose tissue (BMAT). Here, we propose ways to restock the BM-MSC niche to meet the needs of BMAT in ageing, including the activation of pluripotent precursor cells, the breakdown of BM-MSC grafts and the mobilisation of extramedullary MSCs. It can be exploited to understand the BM-MSC-adipocyte axis in ageing and better target anti-ageing interventions.