BioEssays 5∕2017

Targeting the SASP to combat ageing. In article number 1600235, Birch and Passos discuss potential senescence therapies in the fight against ageing. Senescence is characterised by the development of a secretory phenotype, whereby cells release pro-inflammatory mediators; the so-called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP can impact on neighbouring cells, leading to further senescence induction and pro-inflammatory effects, and is therefore considered to be a major contributor to ageing and age-related disease. Mitochondria are important for senescence and the SASP. Therefore, mitochondria could be key targets to eliminate senescent cells or ‘fine-tune’ the SASP. Anti-senescent therapies include targeting the upregulation of mitochondrial anti-apoptotic proteins with senolytics, targeting mitochondrial-derived ROS with antioxidants or impacting on changes in mitochondrial metabolism that have been described in senescent cells.