Cellular senescence: the good, the bad and the unknown

Area of Science:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Aging Research
• Pathology

Background:

• Cellular senescence is a fundamental biological process involved in tissue remodeling, wound repair, and embryogenesis.
• While essential, persistent cellular senescence can maladaptive, contributing to cancer and age-related diseases.
• Senescent cells display distinct morphological changes and release inflammatory cytokines, influencing local and systemic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of cellular senescence in health and disease.
• To highlight the contribution of senescence to aging and specific disorders, such as kidney disease.
• To discuss emerging senotherapeutic strategies and their clinical potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cellular senescence.
• Analysis of senescence markers (e.g., SA-βgal, p16, p21).
• Examination of senotherapeutic interventions (senolytics, senomorphics, stem cells).

Main Results:

• Cellular senescence plays dual roles in tissue repair and disease progression.
• Senescence is implicated in aging, metabolic disorders, and kidney pathologies.
• Senotherapeutic approaches demonstrate efficacy in animal models for extending lifespan and reducing injury.

Conclusions:

• Senescence is a key factor in aging and disease, with significant implications for kidney health.
• Targeting senescent cells offers a promising therapeutic avenue for age-related conditions.
• While early clinical trials are encouraging, further research and larger trials are necessary for clinical translation.