Low-frequency ultrasound restores the function and growth of senescent cells by reversing ageing markers, enhancing cellular vitality, and extending healthspan and lifespan in mice, offering a non-invasive route to rejuvenation.
March 2025 – Aging Cell
Key takeaways
- Ultrasound reverses key ageing signatures: Low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) restored senescent cells to a more youthful state by reversing over 15 well-established ageing markers. These included reduced expression of p16, p21, and β-galactosidase, restoration of telomere length and DNA methylation, and normalisation of mitochondrial shape and size. Crucially, this rejuvenation occurred without inducing cell death or altering phenotype, setting LFU apart from senolytic or genetic interventions
- Enhanced cellular vitality and regenerative capacity: Senescent human fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells regained replicative ability and near-normal morphology after just 30 minutes of LFU. Organelle motility, mitochondrial fission, and lysosomal activity were significantly increased, while harmful senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors were suppressed. This functional restoration allowed expanded cell cultures beyond their natural division limits, without loss of differentiation capacity
- In vivo benefits extend healthspan and lifespan: When applied to aged mice, LFU significantly improved muscle strength, endurance, and spontaneous activity levels. Treated animals showed reduced senescence markers in kidneys and pancreas and maintained healthier fur and body weight. Mice receiving low-frequency, low-dose LFU lived longer, with up to 50% survival at 1000 days, indicating systemic rejuvenation and lifespan extension without detectable side effects
- Mechanical stimulation as a longevity lever: LFU acts by activating mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channels, which trigger calcium influx and cytoskeletal changes. These, in turn, increase autophagy and suppress mTORC1 signalling, two key pathways involved in cellular ageing. The process was further enhanced by combining LFU with agents like rapamycin or cytochalasin D and blocked by inhibiting Piezo1 or Sirtuin1, suggesting that specific mechanical and metabolic pathways underlie this rejuvenation strategy
Read the article at: Kureel, Sanjay K., et al. “Rejuvenation of Senescent Cells, In Vitro and In Vivo, by Low-Frequency Ultrasound.” Aging Cell, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.70008.
