Cellular Senescence in the Aging and Dysfunction of Skin

A great deal of research and development effort is now focused on finding ways to reduce the contribution of senescent cells to degenerative aging. Initiatives range from fundamental research into the biochemistry of senescent cells to clinical trials of early senolytic therapies capable of selectively destroying senescent cells. A growing burden of senescent cells is a feature of all organs and tissues in the body, the skin included. Researchers here discuss what is known of the role of cellular senescence in aging and dysfunction of skin, and what might be done about it. The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and the site where signs of aging are most visible. These signs include thin and dry skin, sagging, loss of elasticity, wrinkles, as well as aberrant pigmentation. The appearance of these features is accelerated by exposure to extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation or pollution, as well as intrinsic factors including time, genetics, and hormonal changes. At the cellular level, aging is associated with impaired proteostasis and an accumulation of macromolecular damage, genomic instability, chromatin reorganization, telomere shortening, remodelling of the nuclear lamina, proliferation defects and premature senescence. Cellular senescence is a state of permanent growth arrest and a key hallmark of aging in many tissues. Due to their inability to proliferate, senescent cells no longer contribute to tissue repair or regeneration. More...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs