Cellular senescence is a key biological process characterized by cells irreversibly stopping their division, often triggered by stress factors like telomere shortening, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Although this mechanism initially helps prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation, senescent cells accumulate over time and contribute to the onset of various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers, by promoting chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Recently, significant pathways involved in regulating senescence have been delineated, including p53/p21 and p16INK4a/Rb, along with the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which fosters both local and systemic inflammatory responses. This emerging knowledge presents cellular senescence not only as an integral aspect of aging but also as a pivotal therapeutic target, evidenced by the potential of senolytic and senomorphic agents in current research.
This Research Topic aims to delve into the intricate processes underlying cellular senescence, its role in facilitating age-related pathological conditions, and the development of novel therapeutic routes to ameliorate its harmful effects. By deepening our understanding of these mechanisms, we aspire to propel forward the field of aging and associated disorders.
To achieve comprehensive insights into cellular senescence and its therapies, this Research Topic will address various aspects with a broad scope, ensuring a thorough exploration of this complex subject matter. We invite original contributions on the following themes:
• Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms: Pathway insights including DNA damage responses, epigenetic modifications, immune surveillance, and metabolic disruptions.
• Senescence in Aging-Related Diseases: Explorations of senescence across cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal aging, and cancers.
• Therapeutic Strategies: Advances in senolytic and senomorphic therapies, immune-based clearance strategies, and new pharmacological/genetic interventions.
• Advanced Methodologies: Innovations in single-cell transcriptomics, in vivo senescence models, and senescent cell imaging techniques.
Keywords: cellular senescence, aging-related diseases, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, senolytic therapies, molecular mechanisms
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
