Newly Discovered Molecule Holds Potential to Eliminate Senescent Cells and Delay Tissue Aging

Scientists from the UOC and the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of aging research. They have identified a new molecule, CUDC-907, that has the potential to selectively destroy aging, non-functional cells known as senescent cells, without affecting healthy ones. This discovery could have significant implications for delaying tissue aging, improving life quality, and extending longevity.

As the body ages, cells begin to accumulate and stop functioning properly, leading to the aging of tissues. The joint research effort by the UOC and the University of Leicester has found a molecule that can eliminate these old cells without impacting healthy ones. This finding opens up possibilities for delaying tissue aging in the human body and ultimately improving the quality of life and life expectancy of individuals.

The results of this research have been published in the journal Aging in an open-access format. The experiments conducted so far have been in vitro, using cells in a controlled laboratory environment. The next step is to test the molecule in animal models to further evaluate its effectiveness.

Throughout a person’s life, cells experience various types of stress, such as solar radiation, which can lead to the accumulation of mutations. The body has defense mechanisms in place to prevent the development of tumors. Cells either undergo apoptosis, a process where they “commit suicide,” or they become senescent. Senescent cells are in a state between life and death, where they no longer function but are still alive. These cells also produce products that replicate the senescent state in surrounding healthy cells.

In young organisms, the immune system can eliminate these senescent cells and maintain tissue health. However, as individuals age, the immune system becomes less effective at this maintenance, leading to the accumulation of senescent cells in tissues. This accumulation impairs tissue function and contributes to the aging process.

Previous studies in animals have shown that drugs called senolytics, which can eliminate senescent cells, can improve life expectancy and quality of life. The researchers, led by Professor Salvador Macip, have identified a molecule called CUDC-907 that efficiently and specifically destroys old cells with minimal side effects on healthy cells.

CUDC-907 has also shown promise in its anti-cancer effects. It acts by inhibiting two cell communication pathways, one of which was previously unknown and discovered by Macip’s team. The drug is being investigated for its ability to eliminate extensively damaged cells that become senescent following chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. These senescent cells can potentially lead to the recurrence of tumors. By administering CUDC-907 alongside traditional cancer treatments, the researchers hope to reduce cancer relapses.

The researchers used different models of human cancer cells in their study and found that CUDC-907 eliminates a specific type of senescent cell with limited side effects. The next step is to test the molecule in animal models to further evaluate its effectiveness. If the results are promising, human trials may follow.

The researchers believe that CUDC-907 could also be applied in diseases where the accumulation of senescent cells plays a role, such as Alzheimer’s disease. By administering an intensive dose of the drug, it may be possible to clean the brain and prevent the progression of the disease. Additionally, it could be useful in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease characterized by the accumulation of senescent cells, to slow its progress.

This discovery of CUDC-907 and its potential to selectively destroy senescent cells without harming healthy ones represents a significant advancement in the field of aging research. Further studies and trials will be conducted to fully understand the molecule’s effects and its potential applications in improving human health and longevity.

Reference: “Characterization of the HDAC/PI3K inhibitor CUDC-907 as a novel senolytic” by Fares Al-Mansour, Abdullah Alraddadi, Buwei He, Anes Saleh, Marta Poblocka, Wael Alzahrani, Shaun Cowley, and Salvador Macip, 28 March 2023, Aging. DOI: 10.18632/aging.204616

What are the implications of using CUDC-907 or similar molecules to eliminate senescent cells in terms of delaying tissue aging and improving life quality

N promising results in in vitro experiments. It successfully targeted and destroyed senescent cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. This selective action is crucial in preventing any potential adverse effects on tissue health.

The next step for the researchers is to further investigate the effectiveness of CUDC-907 in animal models. Animal testing will provide more insight into how the molecule functions in a living organism and its potential impact on tissue aging. If these animal studies yield positive results, it could pave the way for clinical trials in humans.

The implications of this discovery are significant. If CUDC-907 or similar molecules can effectively eliminate senescent cells in humans, it could potentially delay the aging of tissues and improve life quality. By removing these non-functional cells, the overall health and functioning of tissues may be preserved, leading to extended longevity.

Aging and tissue degeneration are major challenges faced by the aging population. This groundbreaking research brings hope for the development of targeted therapies that can specifically address senescent cells. By targeting and eliminating these cells, researchers may be able to slow down the aging process and improve the quality of life for individuals.

The research conducted by the UOC and the University of Leicester has shed light on the potential of CUDC-907 as a selective senolytic molecule. However, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and evaluate its long-term effects. Nonetheless, this discovery marks a significant step forward in the field of aging research and offers new avenues for combating tissue aging and improving overall health and longevity.