New genetic tools reveal the dual roles of senescent cells in liver disease—macrophages drive fibrosis, while endothelial cells repair damage, unlocking potential for targeted therapies. Study: Identifying specific functional roles for senescence across cell types . Image Credit: crystal light / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Cell , researchers explored the diverse functional roles of p16 Ink4a+ senescent cells across different cell types in aging, regeneration, and disease, using novel genetic tools to trace, ablate, and manipulate these cells in vivo.
Background Cellular senescence is crucial in processes like aging, cancer, and disease. Induced by stress, it involves cell-cycle arrest, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescent cells have both harmful roles, such as promoting aging and disease, and beneficial ones, like tumor suppression and tissue repair.
Further research is needed to clarify their cell-type-specific roles and develop therapies that balance their positive and negative effects. About the study Genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed by lysing mouse tails or tissues with a lysis buffer and proteinase K at 55°C for over six hours. The mixture was then centrifuged to collect the supernatant, which was precipitated using isopropanol to obtain genomic DNA.
This DNA was washed with 70% ethanol and dissolved in deionized water. Mice were genotyped using prim.