Reviewing the Development of Senotherapeutics

Today's open access paper is a very readable tour of the present state of research and development of therapies targeting senescent cells, whether to destroy them or alter their function in favorable ways. In both cases the primary goal is to reduce the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), the pro-growth, pro-inflammatory signaling that contributes to degenerative aging as the number of senescent cells rises over the course of later life. It is hoped that clearance of senescent cells will produce a sizable positive impact for late life health, reducing chronic inflammation, slowing the onset of near all age-related conditions, and even reversing existing pathology. The animal studies are impressive when it comes to that last point. Senescent cells are a good example of antagonistic pleiotropy. The transient presence of senescent cells and SASP is selected for because it is useful during embryonic development, and continues to provide benefits in early life, such as assisting in wound healing, and reducing cancer incidence. When senescent cells cannot be cleared efficiently in later life, and they linger, then they become harmful. Natural selection tends to produce situations of this nature, as selection pressure is strongest in early reproductive live span. It allows for the generation of systems and mechanisms that fall apart over time or otherwise become pathological in an aged body. Targeting senescent cells for a healthier longevity: the roadmap...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs