Exploring Cellular Ageing to Combat Age-Related Diseases

The latest issue of Nature Focal Point on Ageing in Japan explores Japan’s development of new technologies in the medical care field such as robots for hospitals, blood tests for depression and Alzheimer’s disease, and more.

Researchers in Japan are pioneering innovative methods to slow the ageing process and develop tools like molecular clocks to measure progress. Led by Tohru Minamino, vice president of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine, the team is investigating ‘senoantigens’—proteins linked to cellular ageing. Ageing is driven by factors such as DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation.

A key focus is on cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing in response to stress. Senescent cells accumulate in aged tissues, secreting pro-inflammatory factors that can lead to age-related diseases. The removal of these cells by the immune system is crucial, but under disease conditions, this process is impaired, leading to chronic inflammation.

In 2016, researchers at the Mayo Clinic demonstrated that removing senescent cells extended the lifespan of mice, sparking interest in ‘senolytics’—drugs that selectively eliminate these cells. However, targeting these cells without affecting healthy ones remains a challenge. Minamino’s team is exploring an alternative approach by targeting senoantigens, aiming to harness the immune system to combat ageing.
View the full article here.

This article was produced by the Japan Society of Anti-Aging Machine (JAAM) and the Japan Anti-Aging Foundation (JAAF). If you’re interested in partnering with us, contact us to find out more about our sponsorship opportunities.

Reaching our Life & Physical sciences audiences

Take advantage of our life sciences and physical sciences advertising and content solutions to get your message in front of thousands of scientists reading our 1,600 science journals. Discover our scientist audiences >>