MicroRNAs orchestrating senescence of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Aging
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cellular senescence is triggered by stressors like DNA damage and telomere erosion.
• Senescent cells, though protective in some contexts, accumulate with age and promote inflammation via SASP.
• This accumulation contributes to age-related diseases, including cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics of senescence in vascular cells (endothelial and smooth muscle cells).
• To highlight the role of microRNAs in regulating cellular senescence.
• To explore senescence removal as a therapeutic approach for vascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cellular senescence in vascular biology.
• Analysis of the role of non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs, in senescence.
• Discussion of emerging strategies for senescent cell clearance.

Main Results:

• Senescence affects both endothelial and smooth muscle cells, contributing to vascular dysfunction.
• MicroRNAs play a crucial role in modulating the senescence process in vascular cells.
• Accumulated senescent cells and their SASP exacerbate vascular disease progression.

Conclusions:

• Cellular senescence in vascular cells is a key driver of age-related cardiovascular diseases.
• MicroRNAs are critical regulators of vascular senescence and represent potential therapeutic targets.
• Senescence-targeting therapies, including cell removal strategies, hold promise for treating vascular diseases.