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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
Published on: May 1, 2017
Cellular Senescence in the Kidney
Marie-Helena Docherty1, Eoin D O'Sullivan1,2, Joseph V Bonventre3
1Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
Senescent cells have undergone permanent growth arrest, adopt an altered secretory phenotype, and accumulate in the kidney and other organs with ageing and injury. Senescence has diverse physiologic roles and experimental studies support its importance in nephrogenesis, successful tissue repair, and in opposing malignant transformation. However, recent murine studies have shown that depletion of chronically senescent cells extends healthy lifespan and delays age-associated disease-implicating senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype as drivers of organ dysfunction. Great interest is therefore focused on the manipulation of senescence as a novel therapeutic target in kidney disease. In this review, we examine current knowledge and areas of ongoing uncertainty regarding senescence in the human kidney and experimental models. We summarize evidence supporting the role of senescence in normal kidney development and homeostasis but also senescence-induced maladaptive repair, renal fibrosis, and transplant failure. Recent studies using senescent cell manipulation and depletion as novel therapies to treat renal disease are discussed, and we explore unanswered questions for future research.
Insights
Senescent cells, linked to aging and kidney injury, drive organ dysfunction. Targeting these cells may extend lifespan and treat kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Cellular senescence
- Renal pathophysiology
- Aging research
Background:
- Senescent cells exhibit permanent growth arrest and a distinct secretory phenotype.
- These cells accumulate in aging and injured kidneys, impacting organ function.
- Senescence plays roles in development, repair, and tumor suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on senescence in the human and experimental kidney.
- To examine the dual role of senescence in kidney homeostasis and disease.
- To discuss senolytic therapies for renal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of senescence in kidney disease.
- Analysis of experimental models and human studies.
- Synthesis of evidence on senescent cell manipulation.
Main Results:
- Senescence is crucial for normal kidney development and homeostasis.
- Chronic senescent cell accumulation drives maladaptive repair, fibrosis, and transplant failure.
- Depletion of senescent cells shows promise in extending lifespan and delaying age-related diseases.
Conclusions:
- Senescence is a key factor in kidney aging and disease progression.
- Targeting senescent cells represents a promising therapeutic strategy for kidney disorders.
- Further research is needed to address uncertainties and optimize senolytic therapies for renal applications.
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