What is the Origin of Altered Intercellular Communication?

The concept stems from cell biology and gerontology research, specifically as one of the nine recognized "Hallmarks of Aging." It is a foundational principle in understanding how systemic decline manifests beyond the individual cell level. The clinical relevance is rooted in observing age-related failures in neuroendocrine feedback loops.

What is the Mechanism of Altered Intercellular Communication?

The alteration manifests through several pathways, including chronic low-grade inflammation, often termed "inflammaging," which disrupts signaling molecules like cytokines. Reduced sensitivity to growth factors and hormones, alongside the accumulation of senescent cells that secrete a pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), further compromises the communication network. This compromised dialogue between cells ultimately accelerates tissue and organ dysfunction.

Altered Intercellular Communication

Meaning

This term describes the progressive deterioration in the signaling pathways and molecular messaging between cells that occurs with advancing age. It represents a fundamental hallmark of aging where the efficiency of paracrine, autocrine, and endocrine communication diminishes. Dysfunction in this system leads to impaired tissue coordination and systemic homeostatic failure.