Breakthrough in Aging Research: Identifying Senescent Cells in Living Tissue

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have achieved a significant breakthrough in aging research by developing a method to identify senescent cells, often referred to as 'zombie cells,' in living tissue. These cells, which stop multiplying but do not clear themselves from the body, are associated with various conditions, including cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

The study, published in the journal Aging Cell, utilized aptamers—short synthetic DNA sequences that can bind to specific proteins on cell surfaces—to label senescent cells. The team, led by graduate student Keenan Pearson, Ph.D., and biochemist Jim Maher, III, Ph.D., identified several aptamers from over 100 trillion random DNA sequences that marked specific surface proteins on senescent cells.

This innovative approach emerged from a conversation between graduate students Pearson and Sarah Jachim, Ph.D., who were working in different labs but shared their ideas during a scientific gathering. Their mentors, including Darren Baker, Ph.D., supported the concept, even when it initially seemed unconventional.

The study revealed that the aptamers bound to a variant of fibronectin on the surface of mouse cells, suggesting potential unique markers for senescent cells. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting age-related diseases, as aptamers are less costly and more flexible than traditional antibodies.

While further research is needed to adapt these aptamers for human tissue, the findings indicate promising applications for enhancing healthspan in the future.