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Induction and Validation of Cellular Senescence in Primary Human Cells
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On the evolution of cellular senescence.

Axel Kowald1,2, João F Passos3, Thomas B L Kirkwood1,4

  • 1Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Aging Cell
|November 9, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Cellular senescence, a process linked to aging and disease, may have evolved to aid tissue repair and wound healing. Its accumulation with age might stem from the immune system balancing cell clearance.

Keywords:
aginganti-agingcellular senescenceevolutionsenolytics

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cellular senescence is implicated in aging and age-related diseases, with its removal extending lifespan in mice.
  • Senescence is traditionally viewed as an anti-cancer mechanism, yet senescent cells can also promote cancer.
  • Evidence suggests senescence plays roles in wound healing and tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary origins of cellular senescence.
  • To reconcile the dual roles of senescence in cancer prevention and promotion.
  • To propose that tissue repair functions may be the primary drivers of senescence evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on cellular senescence.
  • Analysis of studies on senescence, aging, cancer, and tissue repair.
  • Theoretical discussion on the evolutionary pressures shaping senescence.

Main Results:

  • Senescence's role in wound healing and tissue repair offers a compelling explanation for its evolution.
  • The apparent contradiction of senescence being both anti- and pro-carcinogenic can be understood through its multifaceted functions.
  • Senescent cell accumulation may result from immune system's need to balance detecting senescent cells versus harming healthy cells.

Conclusions:

  • Tissue repair and wound healing are likely key evolutionary drivers for cellular senescence.
  • Understanding senescence's evolutionary context is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • The immune system's trade-offs may explain age-related senescence accumulation.