Mayo Researchers Discover Tactic to Delay Age-Related Disorders

[TECH NEWS]

Five decades ago, scientists discovered that cells undergo a limited number of divisions before they stop dividing. At that point the cells reach a state of limbo—called cellular senescence—where they neither die nor continue to multiply. The immune system sweeps out these dysfunctional cells on a regular basis, but over time becomes less effective at “keeping house.” As a result, senescent cells accumulate with age.  Researchers at Mayo Clinic have now shown that eliminating these senescent cells could prevent or delay the onset of age-related disorders and disabilities. The study, performed in mouse models, provides the first evidence that these “deadbeat” cells could contribute to aging and suggests a way to help people stay healthier as they age. The findings appear in the journal Nature, along with an independent commentary on the discovery. “By attacking these cells and what they produce, one day we may be able to break the link between aging mechanisms and predisposition to diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancers and dementia,” says co-author James Kirkland, M.D., Ph.D. “There is potential for a fundamental change in the way we provide treatment for chronic diseases in older people.”

 02 Nov 2011, Mayo Clinic