Zombie Cell Clearance, scientifically termed senolysis or the elimination of senescent cells, is a biological process focused on the removal of cells that have ceased dividing but remain metabolically active, secreting pro-inflammatory and tissue-damaging molecules. These senescent cells, often called “zombie cells,” accumulate with age and contribute significantly to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and the development of age-related diseases. The goal of clearance strategies is to selectively induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in these detrimental cells to rejuvenate tissue microenvironments and improve overall healthspan.
Origin
This concept is a core area of Geroscience, the field of aging biology, following the discovery that senescent cells are not merely inert but actively pathogenic. The term “Zombie Cell” is a widely used, vivid metaphor for their state: biologically alive but functionally dead and harmful. ‘Clearance’ refers to the therapeutic strategy of removing them from the body, often using compounds called senolytics.
Mechanism
The mechanism of senolysis involves targeting the specific pro-survival pathways that senescent cells activate to resist their own apoptosis. Senolytic compounds function by disrupting these pathways, such as the BCL-2 family proteins, thereby triggering the cell’s internal death program. Once cleared, the inflammatory Secretory Associated Senescence Phenotype (SASP) is reduced, allowing for improved tissue repair, reduced chronic inflammation, and the restoration of a more youthful tissue environment.
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