Recent Advances in Strategies for Imaging Detection and Intervention of Cellular Senescence

Abstract

Cellular senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest state that can be triggered by a wide range of intrinsic or extrinsic stresses. Increased burden of senescent cells in various tissues is thought to contribute to aging and age‐related diseases. Thus, the detection and interventions of senescent cells are critical for longevity and treatment of disease. However, the highly heterogeneous feature of senescence makes it challenging for precise detection and selective clearance of senescent cells in different age‐related diseases. To address this issue, considerable efforts have been devoted to developing senescence‐targeting molecular theranostic strategies, based on the potential biomarkers of cellular senescence. Herein, we review recent advances in the field of anti‐senescence research and highlight the specific visualization and elimination of senescent cells. Additionally, the challenges in this emerging field are outlined.

Selective photodynamic eradication of senescent cells with a β-galactosidase-activated photosensitiser

“…Therefore, it is of great importance to develop novel and efficient strategies for the detection and eradication of senescent cells. 5…”

Among Gerontogens, Heavy Metals Are a Class of Their Own: A Review of the Evidence for Cellular Senescence

“…The vast majority of literature pertaining to iron and cellular senescence focuses on the distinct accumulation of iron and iron dyshomeostasis in senescent cells [ 208 , 209 , 210 ]. As such, many studies have begun targeting these iron features for senolytic drugs, particularly inducing ferroptosis [ 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 ]. For more detailed reviews on the roles of iron dyshomeostasis and accumulation in senescent cells, see reviews [ 210 , 215 , 216 , 217 ].…”

Detecting cellular senescence in vivo: Imagining imaging better

“…On the contrary, depth of penetration is a highly important parameter for in vivo imaging. To overcome this limitation, the optical based probes discussed herein contain NIR or far‐red fluorophores, providing deeper penetration depth as well as other advantageous imaging properties such as reduced tissue photodamage and background autofluorescence 43 for applications in live animal (e.g., rodents) imaging. However, optical probes are constrained toward clinical use in humans for deep‐tissue imaging due to its limited penetration depth, even in the case of NIR or far‐red fluorophores, although there have been applications in humans where penetration depth is less of a concern such as fluorescence‐guide surgery 58 .…”