Senescent cells cease to replicate and start to secrete a potent mix of growth factors and inflammatory signals. In youth, senescent cells are removed fairly rapidly by the immune system or mechanisms of programmed cell death. They are created constantly as cells reach the Hayflick limit on replication, but also as a result of potentially cancerous DNA damage or in response to injury. The normal, useful purpose of a senescent cell present for only a limited period of time is to help attract the attention of the immune system, coordinating re…
A Review of Targeting Senescent Cells to Treat Age-Related Conditions
Senescent cells cease to replicate and start to secrete a potent mix of growth factors and inflammatory signals. In youth, senescent cells are removed fairly rapidly by the immune system or mechanisms of programmed cell death. They are created constantly as cells reach the Hayflick limit on replication, but also as a result of potentially cancerous DNA damage or in response to injury. The normal, useful purpose of a senescent cell present for only a limited period of time is to help attract the attention of the immune system, coordinating re…