Abstract
Cellular senescence is one of hallmarks of aging and accumulation of senescent cells with age contributes to tissue or organismal aging, as well as the pathophysiologies of diverse age-related diseases. Genetic ablation of senescent cells in tissues lengthened health span and reduced the risk of age-related pathologies in a mouse model, suggesting a direct link between senescent cells, longevity, and age-related diseases. Therefore, senotherapeutics, medicines targeting senescent cells, might be an emerging strategy for the extension of health span, and prevention or treatment of age-related diseases.
Senotherapeutics are classified as senolytics which kills senescent cells selectively; senomorphics which modulate functions and morphology of senescent cells to those of young cells, or delays the progression of young cells to senescent cells in tissues; and immune-system mediators of the clearance of senescent cells. Some senolytics and senomorphics have been proven to markedly prevent or treat age-related diseases in animal models.
This review will present the current status of the development of senotherapeutics, in relation to aging itself and age-related diseases. Finally, future directions and opportunities for senotherapeutics use will discussed. This knowledge will provide information that can be used to develop novel senotherapeutics for health span and age-related diseases.
FULL TEXT: BMB Reports
