A Nanoscale Detection Tool for Senescence
As the body ages, senescent cells accumulate—resulting in inflammation and damage to neighboring cells, and driving multiple chronic diseases. In previous animal model research, genetic and pharmacological elimination of senescent cells was shown to improve health and delay onset of several age-related diseases. However, some significant gaps still exist in the assessment of senescent cell burden, as well as the most effective use of senotherapeutics. Senescent cells display varied gene/protein marker expression based on the cell type and trigger of senescence and hence do not have a universal molecular marker that can be easily tracked. To overcome these challenges, Dr. Gurkar in collaboration with Dr. Bala, a nanoparticle expert, will develop and validate a specific and sensitive Nanoscale Detection tool (NDT) that can identify and map senescent cells, provide insights into the mechanisms of aging, and offer novel strategies to promote healthy aging.
