Inflammatory Mid-Old Cells in Tissues are Restored to More Youthful Function by Recombinant SLIT2

Researchers here note the existence of what they call "mid-old" cells, cells in tissue stroma that are on the path to becoming senescent, are not yet entered into the senescent state, but nonetheless produce constant inflammatory signaling that is disruptive to tissue structure and function. The researchers find that these cells respond positively to delivery of recombinant SLIT2, diminishing their bad behavior. In very old mice, this treatment resulted in improved muscle mass and function and greater animal activity. This is an interesting finding, and will need further investigation and replication to rule out other mechanisms resulting from SLIT2 delivery. For example, this behavior of mid-old cells could be a bystander effect of senescent cells, and SLIT2 is in some way removing those.

Senescent cell accumulation in tissues is a well-known driver of organ aging and the overall aging process. Multiple studies have consistently revealed the accumulation of senescent cells with the progression of aging. Accumulated senescent cells play a significant role as they cause a halt in the proliferation of functional cells, ultimately resulting in organic dysfunction. Moreover, senescent cells significantly affect the surrounding microenvironment by inducing sterile chronic inflammation through the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), which are known as "inflammaging" phenomena.

While it has been known that the accumulation of senescent ce...

Source: Fight Aging! - December 1, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs