BETHESDA, Md., March 13 (UPI) -- A U.S. government study suggests adult stem cell changes underlie a rare genetic disease that is associated with accelerated aging.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, said adult stem cells might provide an explanation for the cause of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome -- a rare disease that causes premature aging in children.

The scientists said their findings are the first to indicate a biological basis for the clinical features of HGPS, also known as progeria, which might provide insights into the biological mechanisms of normal aging.

"Studies like this of the biology of HGPS hold the potential to benefit children suffering this terrible illness and enlighten us as to the medical changes we all experience as we grow older," said NCI Director Dr. John Niederhuber. "As our population ages, we have an increasing need for greater understanding of the biology of aging and age-related illness, such as cancer."

The research conducted by Tom Misteli and Paola Scaffidi appears in the March issue of the journal Nature Cell Biology.