1. Academic Validation
  2. The redox-senescence axis and its therapeutic targeting

The redox-senescence axis and its therapeutic targeting

  • Redox Biol. 2021 Sep:45:102032. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102032.
Natalie Yl Ngoi 1 Angeline Qx Liew 2 Stephen J F Chong 3 Matthew S Davids 3 Marie-Veronique Clement 4 Shazib Pervaiz 5
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
  • 2 Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • 3 Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
  • 4 Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Medicine Healthy Longevity Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • 5 Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Medicine Healthy Longevity Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; Faculté de Medicine, University of Paris, Paris, France. Electronic address: [email protected].
Abstract

Significance: Cellular growth arrest, associated with 'senescence', helps to safeguard against the accumulation of DNA damage which is often recognized as the underlying mechanism of a wide variety of age-related pathologies including Cancer. Cellular senescence has also been described as a 'double-edged sword'. In Cancer, for example, the creation of an immune-suppressive milieu by senescent tumor cells through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype contributes toward carcinogenesis and Cancer progression.

Recent advances: The potential for cellular senescence to confer multi-faceted effects on tissue fate has led to a rejuvenated interest in its landscape and targeting. Interestingly, redox pathways have been described as both triggers and propagators of cellular senescence, leading to intricate cross-links between both pathways.

Critical issues: In this review, we describe the mechanisms driving cellular senescence, the interface with cellular redox metabolism as well as the role that chemotherapy-induced senescence plays in secondary carcinogenesis. Notably, the role that anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 Family play in inducing drug resistance via mechanisms that involve senescence induction.

Future directions: Though the therapeutic targeting of senescent cells as Cancer therapy remains in its infancy, we summarize the current development of senotherapeutics, including recognized senotherapies, as well as the repurposing of drugs as senomorphic/senolytic candidates.

Keywords

Cancer therapy; ROS; SASP; Senescence; Senolytics.

Figures