In this study, researchers show that small extracellular vesicles can influence the functional status of old tissues. These vesicles are membrane-bound packages of molecules that are used by cells as a form of communication, constantly secreted and taken up. Delivery of vesicles isolated from young tissues (or normal, non-senescent cells) improves function and suppresses the markers of cellular senescence in aged tissues, while delivery of vesicles isolated from old tissues (or senescent cells) degrades the function of young tissues by encouraging cellular senescence. The authors postulate a signaling environment in every tissue that slowly tips towards favoring cellular senescence and dysfunction as aging progresses. Delivering suitable vesicles in large enough numbers, and for a long enough period of time, should tip the balance back – thoug…
Small Extracellular Vesicles and the Balance of Signals Between Normal and Senescent Cells in Aging Tissues
In this study, researchers show that small extracellular vesicles can influence the functional status of old tissues. These vesicles are membrane-bound packages of molecules that are used by cells as a form of communication, constantly secreted and taken up. Delivery of vesicles isolated from young tissues (or normal, non-senescent cells) improves function and suppresses the markers of cellular senescence in aged tissues, while delivery of vesicles isolated from old tissues (or senescent cells) degrades the function of young tissues by encouraging cellular senescence. The authors postulate a signaling environment in every tissue that slowly tips towards favoring cellular senescence and dysfunction as aging progresses. Delivering suitable vesicles in large enough numbers, and for a long enough period of time, should tip the balance back – thoug…