Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid: An endogenous lipid that kills senescent cells
Dr. Wiley studies aging by looking at a process called cellular senescence. Senescent cells have critical functions in our bodies, but as we age, they accumulate and release molecules that contribute to age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Therapies based on elimination of senescent cells therefore provide strong potential for treating multiple conditions. Using human cells and mice, Dr. Wiley discovered that senescent cells have increased levels of certain fatty acids and their derivatives, the oxylipins. A specific fatty acid (DGLA) kills senescent cells, but how this occurs is still a mystery. The Wiley Lab will identify the mechanism behind this cell killing and test it in mice with the long-term goal of determining if the treatment can prevent diseases of aging. If successful, the results of this project could provide a new target for treating age-related diseases.
