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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
Published on: May 1, 2017
At concentrations that inhibit mTOR, resveratrol suppresses cellular senescence
Zoya N Demidenko1, Mikhail V Blagosklonny
1Oncotarget, Albany, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Here we demonstrated that, at cytostatic, near-toxic concentrations, resveratrol inhibited S6 phosphorylation and prevented the senescence morphology in human cells. Using a sensitive functional assay, we found that resveratrol partially prevented loss of the proliferative potential associated with cellular senescence. Resveratrol was less effective than rapamycin, because aging-suppression by resveratrol was limited by its toxicity at high concentrations. We discuss whether concentrations of resveratrol that inhibit mTOR (target of rapamycin) and suppress cellular senescence are clinically achievable and whether partial inhibition of mTOR by resveratrol might be sufficient to affect organismal aging.
Insights
Resveratrol can prevent cellular senescence and loss of proliferation in human cells at high doses. However, its toxicity limits effectiveness compared to rapamycin for aging suppression.
Area of Science:
- Biogerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible growth arrest.
- Senescence is linked to aging and age-related diseases.
- Resveratrol is a natural compound with potential anti-aging properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of resveratrol on cellular senescence.
- To compare resveratrol's efficacy with rapamycin in suppressing senescence.
- To assess the potential of resveratrol for organismal aging.
Main Methods:
- Treating human cells with resveratrol at near-toxic concentrations.
- Measuring S6 phosphorylation and senescence morphology.
- Utilizing a functional assay to assess proliferative potential.
- Comparing resveratrol's effects to rapamycin.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol inhibited S6 phosphorylation and prevented senescence morphology.
- Resveratrol partially preserved proliferative potential in senescent cells.
- Resveratrol's anti-aging effects were limited by its toxicity at high concentrations.
- Resveratrol was less effective than rapamycin.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol demonstrates anti-senescence properties at high, near-toxic concentrations.
- Toxicity limits resveratrol's effectiveness in suppressing cellular senescence.
- The clinical achievability and sufficiency of resveratrol for organismal aging require further investigation.
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