Cellular Senescence Markers are specific molecular and phenotypic indicators present in cells that have entered a state of irreversible growth arrest, a key process in biological aging. These markers include the presence of Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) factors, elevated p16INK4a protein expression, and the characteristic accumulation of lipofuscin. Identifying and quantifying these markers provides a tangible assessment of the body’s biological age and accumulated cellular burden. Clinically, they serve as targets for interventions aimed at clearing senescent cells to improve tissue function.
Origin
The concept originated in the early 1960s with the Hayflick limit, the discovery that normal human cells have a finite number of divisions. The subsequent identification of specific molecular signatures led to the term “senescence markers,” establishing a quantifiable link between cellular fate and organismal aging. This field has since become a cornerstone of geroscience and longevity research.
Mechanism
The markers are activated when a cell experiences irreparable DNA damage or telomere shortening, triggering a cascade that locks the cell into a non-dividing, pro-inflammatory state. SASP factors, once secreted, actively disrupt the microenvironment, promoting inflammation and senescence in neighboring healthy cells. This mechanism explains how senescent cells contribute to systemic dysfunction and age-related pathology.
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