Targeting Senescent Cells: Possible Implications for Delaying Skin Aging: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Senescent cells are induced by a wide variety of stimuli. They accumulate in several tissues during aging, including the skin. Senescent cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteases, a phenomenon called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which are thought to contribute to the functional decline of the skin as a consequence of aging. Due to the potential negative effects of the SASP in aged organisms, drugs that selectively target senescent cells represent an intriguing therapeutic strategy to delay aging and age-related diseases. Here, we review studies on the role of senescent cells in the skin, with particular emphasis on the age-related mechanisms and phenotypes associated with excessive accumulation of cellular senescence. We discuss the aberrant behavior of senescent cells in aging and how the different signaling pathways associated with survival and secretion of senescent cells can be engaged for the development of targeted therapies.