As people age, certain body cells stop dividing. These cells are called senescent and can cause tissues to function less effectively. They also secrete substances that stimulate other cells to become senescent as well. This process can cause inflammation and increases the risk of diseases such as cancer.
Researchers have now made it clearer that two types of senescent cells exist: primary and secondary. Primary cells are damaged directly, for example by radiation, whereas secondary cells become senescent due to substances secreted by the first cells. Each cell type exhibits different properties and responds differently to stress and damage.
Using advanced techniques, scientists observed how these cells develop and which genes are active. They discovered that primary senescent cells exhibit more characteristics associated with tissue distortion and cancer, whereas secondary cells primarily display inflammatory responses. This difference is important for targeted treatments against ageing-related damage.
The study focused on kidney cells and mainly used radiation to induce primary senescence, which is a limitation. Even so, this knowledge helps to better understand how cellular ageing processes take place and which strategies are needed to promote healthy ageing.
In time, these new insights could contribute to better treatments that slow down ageing and thus improve health in later life.
Source: Josh Conway
