On March 3rd, 2025, Small published research co-authored by AFAR Board Member and grantee James L. Kirkland, MD, PhD. The research explores how senescent cells affect bone cell structure and function. It highlights that these cells cause structural stiffening and mechanical changes, which contribute to bone fragility and osteoporosis.
In a related Med Express article, Dr. Kirland explains the potential of these findings on the future of osteoporosis treatments: “In the future, biomechanical markers could not only help identify senescent cells but also serve as precise targets for eliminating them, complementing or offering alternatives to current drug-based senolytic therapies."
Dr. Kirkland is an AFAR board Member, recent a 2020 Irving S. Wright Award of Distinctionrecipient and a 2012 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Breakthroughs in Gerontology (BIG) Award recipient.
Read “Tracing Cellular Senescence in Bone: Time-Dependent Changes in Osteocyte Cytoskeleton Mechanics and Morphology” here.
Also picked up by MSN, the research was highlighted in Med Express, read the article “Study reveals how aging affects bone cell structure and function,” here.
Learn more about cellular senescence and senolytics here.
