Cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing but remain metabolically active, leads to the release of harmful molecules that drive ageing and metabolic dysfunction. Addressing the metabolic changes in senescent cells could help reduce ageing effects and related diseases.
October 2021 – Nature Metabolism
Key takeaways
- Cellular senescence contributes to ageing by releasing harmful molecules: Senescent cells, though no longer dividing, continue to produce pro-inflammatory and damaging molecules, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This leads to chronic inflammation and tissue degradation, accelerating ageing and increasing vulnerability to age-related diseases
- Metabolic changes in senescent cells worsen ageing-related conditions: Altered metabolic states in senescent cells further drive age-related disorders. These cells disrupt normal metabolic processes, contributing to conditions like insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction, creating a harmful cycle between metabolic changes and ageing
- Targeting the metabolism of senescent cells can reduce ageing effects: By addressing the metabolic pathways that sustain senescent cells, therapies could potentially diminish their harmful effects. This might break the cycle of cellular senescence and metabolic diseases, offering promising strategies to slow ageing and improve healthspan
The onset of senescence can be triggered by metabolic stress or dysfunction, and once established, senescent cells further impair metabolism. This feedback loop accelerates ageing, highlighting the importance of metabolic health in mitigating the impact of cellular senescence
Read the article at:Wiley, Christopher D., and Judith Campisi. “The metabolic roots of senescence: mechanisms and opportunities for intervention.” Nature Metabolism, vol. 3, no. 10, 2021, pp. 1290-1301, doi:10.1038/s42255-021-00483-8