Senolytics in diseases: killing to survive

Abstract

Since the discovery of cellular senescence in 1961, numerous studies have investigated the role of senescent cells in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Cellular senescence, defined by irreversible cell cycle arrest, is induced by multiple stressors that activate the DNA damage response, leading to the senescent state. It is characterized by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype that acts on healthy neighboring cells by creating a proinflammatory milieu, affecting their function and potentially inducing their senescence. This book chapter elaborates on the role of senescent cells in the onset and progression of cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatic, renal, lung, neurodegenerative, bone, and skin diseases. The potential benefits of senolytic drugs that specifically target and eliminate senescent cells in treating these diseases are reviewed to shed light on new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic diseases.