Cellular Senescence: Difference between revisions

Cellular senescence is a cellular state characterized by a set of distinctive features that mark the end of a cell's ability to divide and function optimally. At the heart of this process is:

* '''Permanent Cell Cycle Arrest''': In this halted state, cells lose their ability to undergo mitotic division. This is often a result of critical telomere shortening, DNA damage, or other stressors that signal the cell it should no longer replicate to prevent potential errors or malfunctions in future cell generations.

* '''Changes in Cell Morphology and Function''': Senescent cells often undergo noticeable changes in shape, size, and internal structures. Additionally, their functionality diminishes, which can impact tissue integrity and the cellular microenvironment, leading to suboptimal organ and system performance over time.

* '''Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP)''': One of the defining features of senescent cells is their altered secretory profile. They release a mix of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteases. While the SASP can have beneficial roles, such as in wound healing and tissue regeneration, its chronic presence is associated with a pro-inflammatory environment, which is implicated in various age-related pathologies.