Cellular Senescence
Articles tagged with Cellular Senescence
UMass Chan scientist Marcus Ruscetti receives 2026 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize
Exploiting a new vulnerability that targets 'zombie’ cells as an anticancer therapy
Researchers have discovered a new vulnerability in senescent cells, which can be targeted to kill them and treat cancers. The approach could complement existing treatments, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Finding a hidden weakness inside cancer cells’ editing room
Scientists discovered a weak spot in cancer cells' editing room, which can be targeted by new treatments for aggressive cancers. By blocking the spliceosome, researchers found selectively killed RAS-expressing cells and caused mouse tumors to shrink.
New BSC study reveals, for the first time, that the female immune system changes much more than that of men with age
A new study by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center reveals that women's immune systems undergo more pronounced changes with age, leading to a greater susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. In contrast, men experience less extensive immune system changes, but are at higher risk for certain blood cancers.
Your neighborhood may be aging you
Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that people living in neighborhoods with fewer social and economic opportunities have higher levels of CDKN2A RNA, a measure of cellular aging. This suggests that structural conditions may be biologically embedded and influence aging processes over time.
Location matters: How one fat molecule can help trigger both cell limbo and cell death
A study published in Cell Chemical Biology reveals that an impaired transport protein and ceramide buildup can trigger replicative senescence, a state where cells remain alive but no longer divide. Ceramides accumulate inside the endoplasmic reticulum, triggering stress signals that lead to cellular limbo.
New research identifies fatty acids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, opening new avenues for age-related therapies
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified certain naturally occurring polyunsaturated lipids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, which are old and damaged cells that accumulate with age. These lipids trigger a process called ferroptosis, which can be used as a potential treatment for age-r...
Writing the catalog of plasma membrane repair proteins
Researchers at OIST identified 80 plasma membrane repair proteins in budding yeast, revealing a coordinated sequence of molecular events. The study provides a foundation for investigating plasma membrane repair mechanisms in higher eukaryotes, including human cells.
Middle-aged men are most vulnerable to faster aging due to ‘forever chemicals’
Researchers found that perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) accelerate biological aging in middle-aged men, with effects being strongest in this age group due to lifestyle factors. PFAS pollution has been linked to human cancers, obesity, infertility, and hormonal imbalances.
Senescence behind the aggressive nature of postpartum breast cancer
A study reveals that senescence plays a paradoxical role in postpartum breast cancer, promoting tumor formation while also aiding tissue repair. Targeting senescent cells during mammary gland involution could potentially reduce the risk of this form of cancer.
Polyploidy-induced senescence may drive aging, tissue repair, and cancer risk
Researchers highlight polyploidy-induced senescence as a coordinated biological program that may drive aging, tissue repair, and cancer risk. Polyploidization in healthy tissues could help maintain organ structure and barrier integrity, but its instability can promote chromosomal instability and malignant transformation.
Targeting Longevity 2026: Scientists shift the longevity debate from “fixing aging” to preserving biological coordination
Researchers focus on system-level resilience and long-term biological coordination to understand aging as a loss of coordination between biological systems. Studies show how mitochondrial signaling influences inflammation in senescence and microbiota–brain interactions shape aging trajectories.
New study links altered cellular states to brain structure
Researchers have characterized the association between cellular senescence and human brain structure in both development and late life. The study found that senescence-related gene expression is linked to brain volume and cortical organization, with distinct roles depending on cell type and stage of life.
'Zombie' cells spark inflammation in severe fatty liver disease, Mayo Clinic researchers find
Researchers found that mitochondrial RNA can leak into healthy tissue, triggering inflammation and scarring. Inhibiting certain proteins enables mitochondrial RNA to escape, leading to less inflammation and healthier liver tissue.
Glycation stress promotes arterial stiffening and is reversed by a natural compound in aging mice
Researchers found that glycation stress, caused by methylglyoxal, promotes aortic stiffening and cellular senescence. Natural compound Gly-Low, containing nicotinamide and alpha-lipoic acid, reversed these effects and reduced stiffness in aging mice.
Gut health à la CAR T
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a new approach to stimulate cell growth and repair in the intestine using CAR T-cell therapy. This therapy has shown promising results in improving gut health in both young and old mice, with significant reductions in inflammation and improved nutrient absorption.
Can therapies against cellular aging help treat metabolic diseases?
Researchers explore the link between senescent cells and metabolic diseases, highlighting potential treatments known as senotherapeutics. Senolytics, senomorphics, and senosensitizers are interventions aimed at eliminating or suppressing senescent cells to mitigate metabolic disease.
A new tool to find hidden ‘zombie cells’
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new technique to identify senescent cells using aptamers, which can potentially lead to targeted therapies. The study found several rare aptamers that bind specifically to fibronectin on the surface of mouse cells, offering a promising approach for characterizing and treating senescent cells.
Overactive Runx1 gene triggers early disc degeneration linked to aging
Researchers found that overactive Runx1 gene accelerates age-related degeneration of intervertebral discs, causing premature cellular aging and unhealthy tissue changes. Targeting Runx1 may be a promising strategy to prevent or slow disc aging.
Lysosome: a potential target for anti-aging
Researchers have discovered that activating lysosome biogenesis alleviates senescence in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. By promoting progerin clearance, this approach shows promise as a potential therapeutic avenue for HGPS and other age-related disorders.
Study finds ‘man’s best friend’ slows cellular aging in female veterans
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that working with service dogs can slow cellular aging in female veterans. The study, which involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training.
How cell cycle status affects aging cell response to senolytic drugs
Researchers found that cells exiting the cell cycle show stronger signs of senescence and are more sensitive to senolytic drugs. DNA content plays a crucial role in how aging cells function and respond to treatment.
From longevity to cancer: Understanding the dual nature of polyamines
Researchers found that polyamines primarily activate glycolysis in cancer cells, upregulating eIF5A2 and five ribosomal proteins associated with cancer malignancy. In contrast, eIF5A1 promotes healthy aging by activating mitochondria via autophagy.
A keto diet might benefit females more than males, a new UT Health San Antonio study suggests
A keto diet may have different effects on males and females, with estrogen found to promote protection against adverse effects such as cellular senescence. The study found that male mice on a keto diet showed increased markers of oxidative stress and cellular senescence, but these effects were reversed by estrogen treatment.
Zombie cancer cells give cold shoulder to chemotherapy
Cancer cells with abundant circular DNA elements (ecDNA) carrying oncogenes like MYCN are resistant to chemotherapy. Combining standard chemotherapy with a secondary therapy targeting these senescent cells leads to improved outcomes in mouse models of neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma.
Aging (Aging-US) supports landmark senescence and aging research events in Rome
The Aging (Aging-US) meeting will bring together researchers and clinicians to explore the latest advances in cellular senescence and its translation into therapies for age-related diseases. The event will provide a unique platform for discussing both basic research and its clinical applications.
UT Health San Antonio research team advances in global anti-aging competition
The UT Health San Antonio research team, led by Blake Rasmussen, has been selected as a semifinalist in the XPRIZE Healthspan competition. They will use a low-frequency ultrasound spa to develop a non-invasive treatment that helps renew cells and tissues, potentially improving overall health and longevity.
AI-assisted technique can measure and track aging cells
A new study reveals an AI-assisted technique that can measure and track aging cells, which are known to play a key role in wound repair and aging-related diseases. The tool uses nuclear morphometrics to analyze cell characteristics and distinguish between healthy and senescent cells.
Senescence uncovered: worms show the way
Researchers induced senescence in worms by manipulating transcription factor TFEB, mimicking mammalian aging. Key growth factors insulin and TGFbeta were identified as crucial signaling molecules in circumventing senescence.
‘Chemo brain’ and the aging brain: Researchers examine similarities in search for improved cognition
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma investigate the overlap between cognitive decline caused by chemotherapy and aging, discovering decreased blood flow, disrupted blood-brain barriers, and senescent cells. Removing these cells with senolytics can improve cerebral blood flow, cognition, and overall brain health.
This blood protein could be spreading aging throughout your body
A Korean research team discovered that High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) plays a critical role in transmitting senescence from aging cells to distant tissues through the bloodstream. Reduced HMGB1 circulates systemically, inducing senescence in remote tissues and impairing regenerative capacity.
New way to find “aged” cells marks fresh approach for research into ageing
Scientists have created a novel method to distinguish between healthy and senescent cells using electric fields, marking a fresh start in ageing research. The frequency-modulated dielectrophoresis (FM-DEP) technique is label-free, rapid, and easy to apply, allowing for the characterization of cell type by measuring the cutoff frequency.
New insights into long-term dysfunction of edited blood stem cells and how to overcome it
Scientists at San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy discovered that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can cause inflammation and senescence-like responses in blood stem cells. This reduces the cells' ability to regenerate blood cells after transplantation, limiting the long-term success of gene therapy.
Preventing cellular senescence to prevent neuroinflammation
Researchers found that surgery induces accumulation of senescent cells in the hippocampal region of aged mice, leading to neuroinflammation. Dosing with a combination of Dasatinib and Quercetin reduced surgery-induced inflammation.
University of Minnesota, Van Andel Institute receive 2-year, $5.8M grant to study Parkinson’s disease and cellular senescence
Researchers will examine the link between cellular senescence and Parkinson's disease onset and progression. The team aims to find new ways to slow disease progression and establish senescence as a novel target for treatment.
Crosstalk among aging, circadian rhythms, and cancers
Research highlights the interconnected relationship between aging, circadian rhythms, and cancer, with shared mechanisms including genomic instability, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation. Modulating circadian rhythms may serve as a novel strategy to intervene in age-related functional decline and treat cancer.
A newly discovered mechanism rejuvenates aging cells
A newly discovered mechanism has identified a key protein, AP2A1, that toggles between 'young' and 'old' cell states. By suppressing AP2A1 in older cells, researchers were able to reverse senescence and promote cellular rejuvenation. This breakthrough may lead to new treatment targets for diseases associated with old age.
Understanding aging requires more than counting birthdays
A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.
Cell death and aging in cancer research review
A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.
Arginase-II deficiency slows skeletal muscle aging in mice
Researchers discovered that removing arginase-II gene can slow down muscle aging in mice, leading to improved muscle health and reduced inflammation. This finding suggests targeting the Arg-II gene could help maintain muscle strength and mobility in older adults.
Aerobic exercise: a powerful ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s
Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to significantly reduce disease markers associated with Alzheimer's, protecting healthy brain cells and restoring balance in the aging brain. The study highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to serve as a cornerstone in preventive strategies for Alzheimer's.
Groundbreaking Innovations will be announced at Skin Aging and Challenges 2024 Conference
Researchers will explore the role of exosomes in delivering regenerative compounds, while also investigating olfactory receptors' unexpected functions in skin health. The conference aims to slow or reverse skin aging through novel approaches to mitochondrial function and microbiota balance.
Senolytics dasatinib and quercetin for prevention of pelvic organ prolapse in mice
Researchers used a mouse model to assess the impact of senolytic agents dasatinib and quercetin on pelvic organ prolapse. The study found that D+Q injections did not result in significant differences in prolapse development but reduced cellular senescence markers.
Research reveals why some cancers are resistant to therapeutic drugs
Polyploidy, a state with extra genetic material, allows cancer cells to survive longer under DNA damage. This phenomenon explains why some cancers are resistant to anti-cancer drug treatments.
Organ ‘crosstalk’ extends harms of inflammation from liver to brain
Researchers investigate how liver necroptosis triggers inflammation in both organs, leading to cognitive impairment. Studying aging mouse models, they found that liver necroptosis causes systemic inflammation affecting brain function.
Study finds common breast cancer treatments may speed aging process
A new study found that common breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can increase expression of aging markers in breast cancer survivors. The study suggests that these treatments can have a more extensive impact on the body than previously thought, leading to accelerated biological aging.
Frailty linked to long-term physical decline in cancer survivors
Researchers found high prevalence of frailty in breast cancer and hematopoietic cell transplant survivors, negatively impacting physical functioning and quality of life. The study supports an association between frailty and the senescence marker p16INK4a, highlighting the need for well-designed senolytic trials.
AI could predict breast cancer risk via ‘zombie cells’
Researchers have developed an AI technology that can analyze mammary tissue biopsies to identify signs of damaged cells, a key indicator of breast cancer risk. The study found the AI was far better at predicting risk than current clinical benchmarks, offering improved treatment options for women.
Blocking the longevity gene S6K1 extends lifespan by reducing inflammation
Research published in Nature Aging has shown that deleting the S6K1 gene in aged mouse livers reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory protein production, linking metabolic regulation to aging and disease. This finding provides a biological mechanism for the beneficial effects of removing S6K1 on health span.
Lipid accumulation drives cellular senescence in dopaminergic neurons
Researchers found that artificial induction of GluCer leads to cellular senescence in DA neurons, highlighting the role of lipid aggregation in PD. The study proposes that lysosomal impairment and lipid accumulation trigger expression of a cellular senescence phenotype in vulnerable DA neurons.
Modulating in vitro lung fibroblast activation via senolysis of senescent human alveolar epithelial cells
Researchers created a new cell model to study the effects of senescence on lung fibroblasts. Senescent alveolar epithelial cells triggered fibrotic activation in lung fibroblasts, which was attenuated by senolytic therapy.
Roles of PEDF in exercise-induced suppression of senescence and its impact on lung pathology in mice
The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.
Egg cell maintenance: Long-lived proteins may be essential
A team of scientists from Max Planck Institute found that extremely long-lived proteins in the ovary play a crucial role in preserving fertility. These proteins, known as chaperones, help maintain cellular processes and prevent misfolded proteins from aggregating.
New insights into osteoporosis
A research team from Osaka University identified a key osteoporosis-related gene, Men1, and developed a new animal model of the disease. The study found that inactivation of Men1 led to cellular senescence in osteoblasts, reducing bone formation activity and increasing bone resorption.
Key target for rejuvenation treatments needs ‘re-brand’
Recent research reveals that targeting senescent cells as the cause of aging is not accurate. Instead, these cells have positive health impacts and may pose risks if targeted therapeutically.
The aging brain and peripheral vascular dysfunction
A new review paper explores the mechanistic links between peripheral vascular dysfunction, cerebral vascular dysfunction, and reduced brain health with aging. The study suggests that targeting fundamental aging mechanisms may be a promising strategy to reduce dementia risk.
Modulation of senescence features using weo electrolyzed water
Weo electrolyzed water (WEW) has been shown to attenuate cellular senescence in both normal fibroblasts and breast cancer cells. The study found that WEW modulated markers of cellular senescence, inflammation, and stress response genes in a cell type-dependent manner.
A long-term ketogenic diet accumulates aged cells in normal tissues, a UT Health San Antonio-led study shows
A new study led by UT Health San Antonio found that long-term ketogenic diets can induce senescence, or aged cells, in normal tissues, affecting heart and kidney function. However, an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen eliminated these pro-inflammatory effects.
Evidence of a pan-tissue decline in stemness during human aging
Researchers found that ~60% of tissues exhibit a significant negative correlation between age and stemness score, indicating a pan-tissue decline in stemness. This study adds weight to the idea that stem cell deterioration contributes to human aging, with hematopoietic stem cells from older individuals showing higher stemness scores.