A mitochondria-regulated p53-CCF circuit integrates genome integrity with inflammation.

Genomic instability and inflammation are distinct hallmarks of aging, but the connection between them is poorly understood. Understanding their interrelationship will help unravel new mechanisms and therapeutic targets of aging and age-associated diseases. Here we report a novel mechanism directly linking genomic instability and inflammation in senescent cells, through a mitochondria-regulated molecular circuit that connects the p53 tumor suppressor and cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCF), a driver of inflammation through the cGAS-STING pathway. Activation or inactivation of p53 by genetic and pharmacologic approaches showed that p53 suppresses CCF accumulation and the downstream inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), independent of its effects on cell cycle arrest. p53 activation suppressed CCF formation by promoting DNA repair, reflected in maintenance of genomic integrity, particularly in subtelomeric regions, as shown by single cell genome resequencing. Activation of p53 by pharmacological inhibition of MDM2 in old mice decreased features of SASP in liver, indicating a senomorphic role in vivo . Remarkably, mitochondria in senescent cells suppressed p53 activity by promoting CCF formation and thereby restricting ATM-dependent nuclear DNA damage signaling. These data provide evidence for a mitochondria-regulated p53-CCF circuit in senescent cells that controls DNA repair, genome integrity and inflammatory SASP, and is a potential target for senomorphic healthy aging interventions.

Apoptotic stress causes mtDNA release during senescence and drives the SASP.

Senescent cells drive age-related tissue dysfunction partially through the induction of a chronic senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)1. Mitochondria are major regulators of the SASP; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated2. Mitochondria are often essential for apoptosis, a cell fate distinct from cellular senescence. During apoptosis, widespread mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) commits a cell to die3. Here we find that MOMP occurring in a subset of mitochondria is a feature of cellular senescence. This process, called minority MOMP (miMOMP), requires BAX and BAK macropores enabling the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytosol. Cytosolic mtDNA in turn activates the cGAS-STING pathway, a major regulator of the SASP. We find that inhibition of MOMP in vivo decreases inflammatory markers and improves healthspan in aged mice. Our results reveal that apoptosis and senescence are regulated by similar mitochondria-dependent mechanisms and that sublethal mitochondrial apoptotic stress is a major driver of the SASP. We provide proof-of-concept that inhibition of miMOMP-induced inflammation may be a therapeutic route to improve healthspan.

Telomere dysfunction promotes cholangiocyte senescence and biliary fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Cellular senescence and biliary fibrosis are prototypical features of obliterative cholangiopathies, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Telomere dysfunction can lead to senescence either through telomere erosion or damaged telomeres. Our goal was to investigate a mechanistic relationship between telomere damage and biliary fibrosis in PSC. Telomere attrition was observed in the bile ducts of patients with PSC along with a reduction in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression, compared with that in normal livers. Similarly, liver tissue from mouse models of biliary fibrosis showed telomere attrition with increased damage at telomeres measured as telomere-associated foci (TAF). Cellular models of senescence induction increased the TAF in cholangiocytes. This coincided with decreased TERT expression and increased senescence, which was rescued by modulating TERT levels. Epigenetic analysis revealed increased acquisition of repressive histone methylation at the TERT promoter, which correlated with decreased TERT transcription. Cholangiocyte-selective deletion of TERT in mice exacerbated fibrosis, whereas androgen therapy toward telomerase rescued liver fibrosis and liver function in a genetic mouse model of PSC. Our results demonstrate a mechanistic role for telomere dysfunction in cellular senescence and fibrosis that characterize PSC. This suggests that PSC may be, in part, a telomere biology disorder, and identifies TERT as a potential therapeutic target.

Spatial mapping of cellular senescence: emerging challenges and opportunities.

Cellular senescence is a well-established driver of aging and age-related diseases. There are many challenges to mapping senescent cells in tissues such as the absence of specific markers and their relatively low abundance and vast heterogeneity. Single-cell technologies have allowed unprecedented characterization of senescence; however, many methodologies fail to provide spatial insights. The spatial component is essential, as senescent cells communicate with neighboring cells, impacting their function and the composition of extracellular space. The Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet), a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund initiative, aims to map senescent cells across the lifespan of humans and mice. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the existing and emerging methodologies for spatial imaging and their application toward mapping senescent cells. Moreover, we discuss the limitations and challenges inherent to each technology. We argue that the development of spatially resolved methods is essential toward the goal of attaining an atlas of senescent cells.

A chronic wound model to investigate skin cellular senescence.

Wound healing is an essential physiological process for restoring normal skin structure and function post-injury. The role of cellular senescence, an essentially irreversible cell cycle state in response to damaging stimuli, has emerged as a critical mechanism in wound remodeling. Transiently-induced senescence during tissue remodeling has been shown to be beneficial in the acute wound healing phase. In contrast, persistent senescence, as observed in chronic wounds, contributes to delayed closure. Herein we describe a chronic wound murine model and its cellular senescence profile, including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype.

Local senolysis in aged mice only partially replicates the benefits of systemic senolysis.

Clearance of senescent cells (SnCs) can prevent several age-related pathologies, including bone loss. However, the local versus systemic roles of SnCs in mediating tissue dysfunction remain unclear. Thus, we developed a mouse model (p16-LOX-ATTAC) that allowed for inducible SnC elimination (senolysis) in a cell-specific manner and compared the effects of local versus systemic senolysis during aging using bone as a prototype tissue. Specific removal of Sn osteocytes prevented age-related bone loss at the spine, but not the femur, by improving bone formation without affecting osteoclasts or marrow adipocytes. By contrast, systemic senolysis prevented bone loss at the spine and femur and not only improved bone formation, but also reduced osteoclast and marrow adipocyte numbers. Transplantation of SnCs into the peritoneal cavity of young mice caused bone loss and also induced senescence in distant host osteocytes. Collectively, our findings provide proof-of-concept evidence that local senolysis has health benefits in the context of aging, but, importantly, that local senolysis only partially replicates the benefits of systemic senolysis. Furthermore, we establish that SnCs, through their senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), lead to senescence in distant cells. Therefore, our study indicates that optimizing senolytic drugs may require systemic instead of local SnC targeting to extend healthy aging.

Characterization of cellular senescence in aging skeletal muscle.

Senescence is a cell fate that contributes to multiple aging-related pathologies. Despite profound age-associated changes in skeletal muscle (SkM), whether its constituent cells are prone to senesce has not been methodically examined. Herein, using single cell and bulk RNA-sequencing and complementary imaging methods on SkM of young and old mice, we demonstrate that a subpopulation of old fibroadipogenic progenitors highly expresses p16 Ink4a together with multiple senescence-related genes and, concomitantly, exhibits DNA damage and chromatin reorganization. Through analysis of isolated myofibers, we also detail a senescence phenotype within a subset of old cells, governed instead by p2 Cip1 . Administration of a senotherapeutic intervention to old mice countered age-related molecular and morphological changes and improved SkM strength. Finally, we found that the senescence phenotype is conserved in SkM from older humans. Collectively, our data provide compelling evidence for cellular senescence as a hallmark and potentially tractable mediator of SkM aging.

Cellular senescence is increased in airway smooth muscle cells of elderly persons with asthma.

Senescent cells can drive age-related tissue dysfunction partially via a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) involving proinflammatory and profibrotic factors. Cellular senescence has been associated with a structural and functional decline during normal lung aging and age-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Asthma in the elderly (AIE) represents a major healthcare burden. AIE is associated with bronchial airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling, which involves increased cell proliferation and higher rates of fibrosis, and resistant to standard therapy. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells play a major role in asthma such as remodeling via modulation of inflammation and the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Whether senescent ASM cells accumulate in AIE and contribute to airway structural or functional changes is unknown. Lung tissues from elderly persons with asthma showed greater airway fibrosis compared with age-matched elderly persons with nonasthma and young age controls. Lung tissue or isolated ASM cells from elderly persons with asthma showed increased expression of multiple senescent markers including phospho-p53, p21, telomere-associated foci (TAF), as well as multiple SASP components. Senescence and SASP components were also increased with aging per se. These data highlight the presence of cellular senescence in AIE that may contribute to airway remodeling.

Targeted clearance of p21- but not p16-positive senescent cells prevents radiation-induced osteoporosis and increased marrow adiposity.

Cellular senescence, which is a major cause of tissue dysfunction with aging and multiple other conditions, is known to be triggered by p16Ink4a or p21Cip1 , but the relative contributions of each pathway toward inducing senescence are unclear. Here, we directly addressed this issue by first developing and validating a p21-ATTAC mouse with the p21Cip1 promoter driving a "suicide" transgene encoding an inducible caspase-8 which, upon induction, selectively kills p21Cip1 -expressing senescent cells. Next, we used the p21-ATTAC mouse and the established p16-INK-ATTAC mouse to directly compare the contributions of p21Cip1 versus p16Ink4a in driving cellular senescence in a condition where a tissue phenotype (bone loss and increased marrow adiposity) is clearly driven by cellular senescence-specifically, radiation-induced osteoporosis. Using RNA in situ hybridization, we confirmed the reduction in radiation-induced p21Cip1 - or p16Ink4a -driven transcripts following senescent cell clearance in both models. However, only clearance of p21Cip1 +, but not p16Ink4a +, senescent cells prevented both radiation-induced osteoporosis and increased marrow adiposity. Reduction in senescent cells with dysfunctional telomeres following clearance of p21Cip1 +, but not p16Ink4a +, senescent cells also reduced several of the radiation-induced pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors. Thus, by directly comparing senescent cell clearance using two parallel genetic models, we demonstrate that radiation-induced osteoporosis is driven predominantly by p21Cip1 - rather than p16Ink4a -mediated cellular senescence. Further, this approach can be used to dissect the contributions of these pathways in other senescence-associated conditions, including aging across tissues.

Bone Marrow Adiposity in Models of Radiation- and Aging-Related Bone Loss Is Dependent on Cellular Senescence.

Oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cellular senescence have been associated with reduced osteoprogenitors in a reciprocal fashion to bone marrow adipocyte tissue (BMAT); however, a direct (causal) link between cellular senescence and BMAT is still elusive. Accumulation of senescent cells occur in naturally aged and in focally radiated bone tissue, but despite amelioration of age- and radiation-associated bone loss after senescent cell clearance, molecular events that precede BMAT accrual are largely unknown. Here we show by RNA-Sequencing data that BMAT-related genes were the most upregulated gene subset in radiated bones of C57BL/6 mice. Using focal radiation as a model to understand age-associated changes in bone, we performed a longitudinal assessment of cellular senescence and BMAT. Using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), RNA in situ hybridization of p21 transcripts and histological assessment of telomere dysfunction as a marker of senescence, we observed an increase in senescent cell burden of bone cells from day 1 postradiation, without the presence of BMAT. BMAT was significantly elevated in radiated bones at day 7, confirming the qRT-PCR data in which most BMAT-related genes were elevated by day 7, and the trend continued until day 42 postradiation. Similarly, elevation in BMAT-related genes was observed in bones of aged mice. The senolytic cocktail of Dasatinib (D) plus Quercetin (Q) (ie, D + Q), which clears senescent cells, reduced BMAT in aged and radiated bones. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) linked with senescence marker p21 were downregulated in radiated and aged bones, whereas miR-27a, a miR that is associated with increased BMAT, was elevated both in radiated and aged bones. D + Q downregulated miR-27a in radiated bones at 42 days postradiation. Overall, our study provides evidence that BMAT occurrence in oxidatively stressed bone environments, such as radiation and aging, is induced following a common pathway and is dependent on the presence of senescent cells. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Cytoplasmic innate immune sensing by the caspase-4 non-canonical inflammasome promotes cellular senescence.

Cytoplasmic recognition of microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in human cells is elicited by the caspase-4 and caspase-5 noncanonical inflammasomes, which induce a form of inflammatory cell death termed pyroptosis. Here we show that LPS-mediated activation of caspase-4 also induces a stress response promoting cellular senescence, which is dependent on the caspase-4 substrate gasdermin-D and the tumor suppressor p53. Furthermore, we found that the caspase-4 noncanonical inflammasome is induced and assembled in response to oncogenic RAS signaling during oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). Moreover, targeting caspase-4 expression in OIS showed its critical role in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and the cell cycle arrest induced in cellular senescence. Finally, we observed that caspase-4 induction occurs in vivo in mouse models of tumor suppression and ageing. Altogether, we are showing that cellular senescence is induced by cytoplasmic LPS recognition by the noncanonical inflammasome and that this pathway is conserved in the cellular response to oncogenic stress.

Accelerated osteocyte senescence and skeletal fragility in mice with type 2 diabetes.

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing. Despite normal to higher bone density, patients with T2D paradoxically have elevated fracture risk resulting, in part, from poor bone quality. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and inflammation as a consequence of enhanced receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling are hypothesized culprits, although the exact mechanisms underlying skeletal dysfunction in T2D are unclear. Lack of inducible models that permit environmental (in obesity) and temporal (after skeletal maturity) control of T2D onset has hampered progress. Here, we show in C57BL/6 mice that a onetime pharmacological intervention (streptozotocin, STZ) initiated in adulthood combined with high-fat diet-induced (HFD-induced) obesity caused hallmark features of human adult-onset T2D, including prolonged hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic ß cell dysfunction, but not complete destruction. In addition, HFD/STZ (i.e., T2D) resulted in several changes in bone quality that closely mirror those observed in humans, including compromised bone microarchitecture, reduced biomechanical strength, impaired bone material properties, altered bone turnover, and elevated levels of the AGE CML in bone and blood. Furthermore, T2D led to the premature accumulation of senescent osteocytes with a unique proinflammatory signature. These findings highlight the RAGE pathway and senescent cells as potential targets to treat diabetic skeletal fragility.

Mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling drives formation of cytoplasmic chromatin and inflammation in senescence.

Cellular senescence is a potent tumor suppressor mechanism but also contributes to aging and aging-related diseases. Senescence is characterized by a stable cell cycle arrest and a complex proinflammatory secretome, termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We recently discovered that cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCFs), extruded from the nucleus of senescent cells, trigger the SASP through activation of the innate immunity cytosolic DNA sensing cGAS-STING pathway. However, the upstream signaling events that instigate CCF formation remain unknown. Here, we show that dysfunctional mitochondria, linked to down-regulation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation genes, trigger a ROS-JNK retrograde signaling pathway that drives CCF formation and hence the SASP. JNK links to 53BP1, a nuclear protein that negatively regulates DNA double-strand break (DSB) end resection and CCF formation. Importantly, we show that low-dose HDAC inhibitors restore expression of most nuclear-encoded mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation genes, improve mitochondrial function, and suppress CCFs and the SASP in senescent cells. In mouse models, HDAC inhibitors also suppress oxidative stress, CCF, inflammation, and tissue damage caused by senescence-inducing irradiation and/or acetaminophen-induced mitochondria dysfunction. Overall, our findings outline an extended mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling pathway that initiates formation of CCF during senescence and is a potential target for drug-based interventions to inhibit the proaging SASP.

Targeted Reduction of Senescent Cell Burden Alleviates Focal Radiotherapy-Related Bone Loss.

Clinical radiotherapy treats life-threatening cancers, but the radiation often affects neighboring normal tissues including bone. Acute effects of ionizing radiation include oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cellular apoptosis. We show in this study that a large proportion of bone marrow cells, osteoblasts, and matrix-embedded osteocytes recover from these insults only to attain a senescent profile. Bone analyses of senescence-associated genes, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) activity, and presence of telomere dysfunction-induced foci (TIF) at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 42 days post-focal radiation treatment (FRT) in C57BL/6 male mice confirmed the development of senescent cells and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Accumulation of senescent cells and SASP markers were correlated with a significant reduction in bone architecture at 42 days post-FRT. To test if senolytic drugs, which clear senescent cells, alleviate FRT-related bone damage, we administered the senolytic agents, dasatinib (D), quercetin (Q), fisetin (F), and a cocktail of D and Q (D+Q). We found moderate alleviation of radiation-induced bone damage with D and Q as stand-alone compounds, but no such improvement was seen with F. However, the senolytic cocktail of D+Q reduced senescent cell burden as assessed by TIF+ osteoblasts and osteocytes, markers of senescence (p16 Ink4a and p21), and key SASP factors, resulting in significant recovery in the bone architecture of radiated femurs. In summary, this study provides proof of concept that senescent cells play a role in radiotherapy-associated bone damage, and that reduction in senescent cell burden by senolytic agents is a potential therapeutic option for alleviating radiotherapy-related bone deterioration. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Senolytics decrease senescent cells in humans: Preliminary report from a clinical trial of Dasatinib plus Quercetin in individuals with diabetic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Senescent cells, which can release factors that cause inflammation and dysfunction, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), accumulate with ageing and at etiological sites in multiple chronic diseases. Senolytics, including the combination of Dasatinib and Quercetin (D + Q), selectively eliminate senescent cells by transiently disabling pro-survival networks that defend them against their own apoptotic environment. In the first clinical trial of senolytics, D + Q improved physical function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a fatal senescence-associated disease, but to date, no peer-reviewed study has directly demonstrated that senolytics decrease senescent cells in humans. METHODS: In an open label Phase 1 pilot study, we administered 3 days of oral D 100 mg and Q 1000 mg to subjects with diabetic kidney disease (N = 9; 68·7 ±â€¯3·1 years old; 2 female; BMI:33·9 ±â€¯2·3 kg/m2; eGFR:27·0 ±â€¯2·1 mL/min/1·73m2). Adipose tissue, skin biopsies, and blood were collected before and 11 days after completing senolytic treatment. Senescent cell and macrophage/Langerhans cell markers and circulating SASP factors were assayed. FINDINGS: D + Q reduced adipose tissue senescent cell burden within 11 days, with decreases in p16INK4A-and p21CIP1-expressing cells, cells with senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity, and adipocyte progenitors with limited replicative potential. Adipose tissue macrophages, which are attracted, anchored, and activated by senescent cells, and crown-like structures were decreased. Skin epidermal p16INK4A+ and p21CIP1+ cells were reduced, as were circulating SASP factors, including IL-1α, IL-6, and MMPs-9 and -12. INTERPRETATION: "Hit-and-run" treatment with senolytics, which in the case of D + Q have elimination half-lives <11 h, significantly decreases senescent cell burden in humans. FUND: NIH and Foundations. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02848131. Senescence, Frailty, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Functionality in Chronic Kidney Disease: Effect of Senolytic Agents.