Prompt Cast
The Science of Cellular Senescence and Aging Explained
TLDR Cellular senescence plays a crucial role in the aging process, and eliminating senescent cells has shown promise in extending lifespan and improving health, with potential applications in treating age-related diseases like osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The episode discusses the science of cellular senescence and its role in the aging process, as well as the background and work of guest Ned David, president of Unity Biotechnology.
07:31
Aging is a flexible process in nature, demonstrated by creatures with vastly different lifespans despite similar biochemistry, highlighting the existence of control knobs that can be manipulated to influence longevity.
15:26
Research on rodents during the Great Depression accidentally revealed that calorie restriction can extend lifespan by turning a control knob in biology linked to the effects of rapamycin and mTOR.
23:02
Cells can undergo a factory reset twice in a lifetime, with the second reset occurring when making germ cells for children, and research on cellular senescence suggests that eliminating senescent cells can extend lifespan and improve health.
31:01
Eliminating senescent cells in animals at midlife through genetic engineering can reduce features of aging without interfering with the anti-cancer system provided by senescent cells.
38:24
Cellular senescence can lead to the secretion of harmful factors directly affecting neighboring cells, but eliminating senescent cells can have anti-aging effects without increasing cancer risk.
46:00
Cellular senescent cells release harmful factors like TNF alpha and VEGF alpha, contributing to inflammation and fibrosis, but can also play a role in wound healing.
53:32
The observation of mutant animals with abnormal numbers of chromosomes led to accelerated aging and the presence of senescent cells, suggesting a role for senescent cells in driving features of aging.
01:01:26
The research team focused on finding diseases related to healthspan that could be studied to understand the role of senescent cells in driving features of aging.
01:08:54
The research team focused on defining four key questions to guide their strategy and decision-making process in developing their company.
01:16:22
The development of senolytic molecules that eliminate senescent cells could potentially provide a safer and more effective treatment approach for age-related diseases.
01:23:42
Senolytic molecules identified at the Buck Institute have shown promise in reversing osteoarthritis in mice, providing hope for potential treatments in humans.
01:30:58
A senolytic molecule has shown safety, selectivity, and potency in reducing pain and eliminating factors produced by senescent cells in osteoarthritis patients.
01:38:18
Exciting potential in treating diseases of aging by eliminating senescent cells at sites of disease, with promising results in reducing pain in osteoarthritis patients.
01:45:35
Eliminating senescent cells in atherosclerotic plaques in mice can reduce plaque volume and thicken fibrotic caps, potentially impacting the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and offering insights into treating diseases of aging.
01:53:18
Senolytic medicines may play a role in treating untreatable diseases of the aging eye by targeting senescent cells, with upcoming clinical trials focusing on exploring this potential treatment approach.
02:01:06
The increase in age-associated type 2 diabetes may be related to pancreatic senescence, with genetic correlations pointing to a link between diseases of aging and cellular senescence.
02:08:50
Don't create a false choice between an entrepreneurial pathway and an academic pathway in science, find a single beautiful idea that motivates you, and learn from those who are more experienced and patient.
Categories:
Health & Fitness
