Researchers advance study of senescent ‘zombie’ cells in aging

Researchers are advancing the study of senescent cells, often referred to as ‘zombie’ cells, which stop dividing but remain in tissues and release inflammatory molecules. These cells are believed to contribute to chronic inflammation, frailty, and various age-related diseases.

Seven studies published by the Mayo Clinic’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging in Nature journals aim to improve the precision of aging research. This work includes new tools for identifying these cells, investigating their inflammatory drivers, and testing targeted treatments in preclinical models.

In a related development, researchers have utilized deep learning to create a biomarker for systemic cellular senescence burden. This tool is designed to predict mortality and various health outcomes by measuring the accumulation of these cells.