Scientists from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and Konkuk University in South Korea have developed a technology to selectively destroy senescent cells. This technology could pave the way for new treatments for age-related diseases. To work published In the scientific journal of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Senescent cells, also known as senescent cells, contribute to a variety of inflammatory conditions and age-related diseases as people age.
The scientific team developed non-toxic organic molecules that act selectively on receptors in the membranes of aging cells due to the higher content of reactive oxygen species. These molecules form disulfide bonds and form oligomers, which are then assembled into artificial proteins. The resulting protein structures destroy cell membranes, leading to self-destruction of target cells.
“Our experiments successfully demonstrated the selective removal of senescent cells by targeting mitochondria and causing dysfunction. This approach represents a new paradigm in the treatment of age-related diseases,” said Professor Ja Hyun Ryu, leader of the study.
Previously, Swiss scientists successfully disabled proteins that cause inflammation in aging brain tissue.