Liver Senescence In Focus: Heterogeneity Across Aging And Cancer
Imagine certain cells in your body as “zombies”—they’re not dead, but they’ve stopped performing their normal functions and instead release harmful signals. This state is called cellular senescence, and it plays a significant role in how our bodies age and develop diseases. In the liver, these senescent cells contribute to various problems, including the accumulation of fat, a condition known as steatosis, and the progression of liver diseases like fibrosis (scarring) and cancer.
Recent research has shed light on the complex nature of these “zombie” cells in the liver. It turns out they aren’t all alike; their specific characteristics can vary greatly depending on the type of liver cell they are (such as the main liver cells, called hepatocytes, or the structural cells, called fibroblasts) and the underlying condition, whether it’s normal aging, a chronic liver disease, or cancer. Even treatments like chemotherapy can induce unique populations of these senescent cells.
Despite this diversity, scientists have discovered that these senescent cells share some fundamental traits. For instance, they often activate similar molecular pathways, release pro-inflammatory substances, and are resistant to programmed cell death. Understanding these common features is crucial because it suggests potential new avenues for therapies. By targeting these shared characteristics, it might be possible to develop treatments that either eliminate these harmful cells or modify their behavior, offering new strategies to combat age-related liver degeneration and liver diseases.
Source: link to paper