Aging Mechanisms
Cellular Senescence and the Biology of Aging
Published on March 15, 2026
•By Lifespan Team
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Exploring how senescent cells accumulate with age and contribute to tissue dysfunction and age-related diseases.
Cellular Senescence and the Biology of Aging
Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell cycle arrest that occurs in response to various stressors. As we age, senescent cells accumulate in our tissues and contribute to aging through several mechanisms:
Key Characteristics
1. Permanent Growth Arrest: Senescent cells can no longer divide
2. Resistance to Apoptosis: They resist programmed cell death
3. SASP: They secrete inflammatory molecules (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype)
Impact on Aging
Senescent cells contribute to:
Therapeutic Approaches
Research into senolytics - drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells - shows promise for extending healthspan.