Spreading Senescent Cells' Burden and Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Frailty

Cells. 2023 Sep 15;12(18):2287. doi: 10.3390/cells12182287.

Abstract

The spreading of senescent cells' burden holds profound implications for frailty, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic targets. In this perspective review, we delve into the intricate mechanisms underlying senescent cell spreading, its implications for frailty, and its therapeutic development. We have focused our attention on the emerging age-related biological factors, such as microbiome and virome alterations, elucidating their significant contribution to the loss of control over the accumulation rate of senescent cells, particularly affecting key frailty domains, the musculoskeletal system and cerebral functions. We believe that gaining an understanding of these mechanisms could not only aid in elucidating the involvement of cellular senescence in frailty but also offer diverse therapeutic possibilities, potentially advancing the future development of tailored interventions for these highly diverse patients.

Keywords: aging; cellular senescence; frailty; immunosenescence; microbiome; virome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Cellular Senescence
  • Frailty*
  • Humans
  • Microbiota*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Ricerca Corrente funding from the Italian Ministry of Health to IRCCS-INRCA to M.M.