Senolytic drugs are a novel class of therapeutics that selectively eliminate so-called "zombie cells," which secrete inflammatory factors and promote aging in surrounding cells. These drugs have been developed with the goal of fundamentally treating age-related diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis, as well as extending healthy lifespan. Over the past decade, more than 20 senolytic drug candidates have been reported; however, their mechanisms of action remain complex and diverse.

A research team led by Professor Eiji Hara and Assistant Professor Masahiro Wakita (RIMD, IFReC and CiDER, The University of Osaka) has systematically compared the efficacy of 21 senolytic drugs and identified a subpopulation of senolytic-resistant cells. The team demonstrates a mitochondrial basis for senolytic resistance and shows that metabolic interventions markedly enhance senescent cell clearance in vivo.

Contact

Prof. Eiji Hara

eharabiken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Aging Biology