Senolytic Peptides are a class of short-chain amino acids or peptide-based compounds designed to selectively induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in senescent cells. These are cells that have ceased dividing but remain metabolically active and secrete pro-inflammatory factors, known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). These compounds target the survival pathways of these “zombie cells,” which accumulate with age and contribute significantly to tissue dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and the pathology of aging. In hormonal health, their use is a cutting-edge strategy to reduce the systemic inflammatory burden, thereby improving endocrine function and target tissue responsiveness.
Origin
The term is a compound of ‘seno’ (from senescence, meaning aging) and ‘lytic’ (meaning destruction). The concept originated from gerontology research in the early 2010s that definitively identified senescent cells as a major, causal driver of age-related pathology. The subsequent, intensive search for compounds that could selectively clear these cells led to the discovery and development of various senolytics, including specific peptides, as a novel therapeutic avenue for extending healthspan and treating age-related diseases. This represents a major breakthrough in longevity science.
Mechanism
The mechanism of action involves disrupting the anti-apoptotic pathways, such as the BCL-2 family proteins, that senescent cells rely on for their sustained survival. By inhibiting these pathways, the senolytic peptides trigger the cell’s intrinsic apoptotic cascade, leading to the selective elimination of the dysfunctional senescent cells. This targeted clearance reduces the inflammatory SASP, which in turn lowers systemic, chronic inflammation, improves the tissue microenvironment, and enhances the function of surrounding healthy cells, including hormone-producing glands and target receptors.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.