Senescence-Linked Fibrosis In The Aging Human Ovary Revealed By P16-Based Histological Profiling And Spatial Transcriptomics
Our bodies are made of cells, and as we age, some of these cells enter a state called “senescence.” These senescent cells stop dividing but don’t die off; instead, they accumulate and can release substances that harm surrounding tissues. This process is a significant factor in how organs, like the ovary, age and decline in function. Researchers have now used advanced techniques, including looking for a specific marker protein (p16) and analyzing gene activity in precise locations within the tissue, to create a detailed map of these senescent cells in aging human ovaries. They discovered that these senescent cells don’t just appear randomly; they form distinct clusters within the ovary. These clusters are strongly linked to increased inflammation and the development of fibrosis, which is essentially the scarring or thickening of tissue. The team even identified a unique set of genes active in these senescent regions, indicating changes in how cells grow and how the tissue remodels itself. Understanding these “senescent niches” in the ovary could open new doors for developing treatments aimed at preserving ovarian health and function as we get older.
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