Molecular Classification
Signaling Pathway, Cell Cycle Regulation, Tumor Suppressor Pathway
Other Names
Cellular Aging Pathway, Senescence Pathway
Disease Roles
CancerAgingAge-related diseases

Cellular Senescence Pathway Overview

The cellular senescence pathway is a biological process leading to a stable cell cycle arrest, triggered by various stressors. It involves the p53/p21 and p16/Rb pathways, resulting in characteristic phenotypic changes and the secretion of the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). While initially beneficial for tumor suppression and tissue repair, chronic activation contributes to aging-related pathologies.

Mechanism of Action

Senolytics selectively eliminate senescent cells by targeting their survival pathways.

Biological Functions

Cell cycle arrest
Tumor suppression
Tissue remodeling
Inflammation
DNA damage response

Disease Associations

Cancer
Aging
Age-related diseases
Inflammaging
Wound healing

Safety Considerations

  • Potential side effects due to overlap with normal cell survival mechanisms
  • Complex therapeutic target requiring precise modulation

Interacting Drugs

Senolytics
BCL-xL inhibitors

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity
p16^INK4A
Senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF)
DNA-SCARS