Cellular senescence in ageing: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities

Raffaella Di Micco1, Valery Krizhanovsky2, Darren Baker3,4

  • 1San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. dimicco.raffaella@hsr.it.

Insights

Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest, contributes to aging and disease. Targeting senescent cells with senolytic or senomorphic therapies offers a promising approach to combat age-related conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Cellular senescence, a state of permanent cell proliferation arrest, is triggered by various stresses and plays roles in development and aging.
  • Senescent cells secrete factors (senescence-associated secretory phenotype) that impair tissue repair and drive age-related diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of cellular senescence establishment and the induction of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype.
  • To provide an overview of cellular senescence as a therapeutic target for aging and age-associated diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cellular senescence mechanisms.
  • Analysis of senescence-associated secretory phenotype induction.
  • Overview of senolytic and senomorphic therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Cellular senescence is a complex process with implications in development, aging, and disease.
  • The senescence-associated secretory phenotype significantly contributes to tissue dysfunction and aging.
  • Senolytic and senomorphic therapies show potential for intervening in aging and related diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Cellular senescence is a critical factor in aging and age-associated diseases.
  • Targeting senescent cells offers a novel therapeutic avenue for improving healthspan and treating age-related pathologies.

Related Concept Videos

Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds...
4.1K
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
445
Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

6.5K
Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded...
25.9K
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
18.1K
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
3.0K