Cellular senescence in aging: Molecular basis, implications and therapeutic interventions

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and cellular biology
• Molecular mechanisms of aging
• Organelle communication in senescence

Background:

• Cellular senescence is a permanent cell cycle arrest triggered by damage and stress.
• Senescence involves changes like SASP, DDR, and mitochondrial alterations.
• It plays roles in development, wound healing, and tumor suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence.
• To investigate the role of mitochondria and inter-organelle communication in senescence.
• To discuss targeting senescence for age-related pathologies and healthy aging.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cellular senescence mechanisms.
• Analysis of molecular and phenotypic alterations in senescent cells.
• Focus on mitochondrial dysfunction and inter-organelle crosstalk.

Main Results:

• Senescence is linked to SASP, DDR, and mitochondrial changes.
• Mitochondria undergo significant alterations during senescence.
• Impaired inter-organelle communication contributes to senescence and aging.

Conclusions:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of senescence and age-related diseases.
• Targeting senescence, particularly mitochondrial pathways, is a promising therapeutic strategy.
• Understanding senescence mechanisms can lead to interventions for healthy aging.