Targeting altered Ca2+ signaling in cellular senescence to extend healthy longevity
Human life span and health span (years of healthy life) have risen significantly in recent decades. Yet, age is the largest single risk factor for developing a host of diseases, and targeting basic aging processes could delay age-related deterioration of cellular and organismal functions. A common feature of older organisms is the accumulation of senescent cells – cells that have irreversibly lost the capacity to undergo replication. Senescent cells are characterized by activation of the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), which includes many pro-inflammatory factors. Excessive production and secretion of SASP is at the basis of age-associated chronic inflammation and aberrant tissue remodeling. Delaying and reducing the accumulation of age-associated senescence holds the potential to enable the development of novel anti-aging interventions. During this project, we will study how calcium signaling is altered in senescent cells, and the potential to develop a novel anti-senescence approach based on this feature.
