Senescent cells are on the brink of self-destruction but are held back by mechanisms that can be targeted with small molecules. The development of senolytic drugs has focused on triggering apoptosis in these cells. However, new methods of inducing programmed cell death in senescent cells continue to emerge, such as the use of ferroptosis and lipids as the destruction pathway. While current research is limited to cell culture, the potential for extending healthspan and treating age-related diseases is promising.
Cellular senescence plays a significant role in aging and age-related conditions. A recent study identified conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids, like α-eleostearic acid, as novel senolytics that effectively eliminate senescent cells through ferroptosis. These lipids target specific pathways involved in lipid-induced senolysis, offering a new approach to combat aging and age-related diseases.
