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Author Spotlight: Advancing Mitochondrial Research - mtHyper7 Biosensor for Subcellular Analysis
Published on: June 2, 2023
Targeting Mitochondria to Control Ageing and Senescence
Margherita Protasoni1, Manuel Serrano1,2,3
1Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Ageing is accompanied by a progressive impairment of cellular function and a systemic deterioration of tissues and organs, resulting in increased vulnerability to multiple diseases. Here, we review the interplay between two hallmarks of ageing, namely, mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence. The targeting of specific mitochondrial features in senescent cells has the potential of delaying or even reverting the ageing process. A deeper and more comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial biology in senescent cells is necessary to effectively face this challenge. Here, we discuss the main alterations in mitochondrial functions and structure in both ageing and cellular senescence, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two processes. Moreover, we describe the treatments available to target these pathways and speculate on possible future directions of anti-ageing and anti-senescence therapies targeting mitochondria.
Insights
Cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction are key aging factors. Targeting mitochondria in senescent cells may reverse aging, requiring further research into mitochondrial biology and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Cellular Senescence
Background:
- Aging leads to cellular dysfunction and tissue deterioration, increasing disease risk.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence are hallmarks of aging.
- Understanding their interplay is crucial for developing anti-aging strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in aging.
- To highlight alterations in mitochondrial function and structure during aging and senescence.
- To discuss current and future therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aging, mitochondrial biology, and cellular senescence.
- Comparative analysis of mitochondrial alterations in aging versus senescence.
- Discussion of existing and potential anti-aging therapies.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence are interconnected processes in aging.
- Specific alterations in mitochondrial structure and function occur in both aging and senescence.
- Differences and similarities between these two aging hallmarks were identified.
Conclusions:
- Targeting mitochondrial features in senescent cells shows promise for delaying or reversing aging.
- Further research into mitochondrial biology within senescent cells is essential.
- Developing targeted therapies for mitochondria and senescent cells is a key future direction.
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