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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Far-Red Fluorescent Senescence-Associated β-Galactosidase Probe for Identification and Enrichment of Senescent Tumor Cells by Flow Cytometry
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Far-Red Fluorescent Senescence-Associated β-Galactosidase Probe for Identification and Enrichment of Senescent Tumor Cells by Flow Cytometry

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A versatile drug delivery system targeting senescent cells

Daniel Muñoz-Espín1,2, Miguel Rovira3,4, Irene Galiana5,6

  • 1Tumor Suppression Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain dm742@cam.ac.uk manuel.serrano@irbbarcelona.org.

EMBO Molecular Medicine
|July 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed a novel drug delivery system using galacto-oligosaccharides to target senescent cells. This approach enhances drug release in senescent cells, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects in aging-associated diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Senescent cells accumulate in aging-associated diseases.
  • Eliminating senescent cells is a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • Lysosomal β-galactosidase activity is a hallmark of senescent cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design a drug delivery system targeting senescent cells.
  • To utilize galacto-oligosaccharides for drug encapsulation.
  • To leverage senescent cell-specific enzyme activity for drug release.

Main Methods:

  • Encapsulation of drugs with galacto-oligosaccharides.
  • In vivo studies in mouse models.
  • Evaluation of drug release, therapeutic efficacy, and side effects.

Main Results:

  • Gal-encapsulated fluorophores preferentially released in senescent cells in mice.
  • Gal-encapsulated cytotoxic drugs improved tumor xenograft regression.
  • Targeting senescent cells reduced collagen deposition and restored lung function in pulmonary fibrosis models.
  • Gal-encapsulation reduced toxic side effects of cytotoxic drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Gal-encapsulation provides a targeted drug delivery system for senescent cells.
  • This approach shows therapeutic potential for senescence-associated disorders.
  • Drug delivery into senescent cells opens new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
Keywords:
chemotherapyfibrosisnanomedicinepalbociclibsenescence

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