A WAY of detecting when people are biologically past their prime could potentially provide a test for ageing.
THE same biomarkers identified by scientists could also be used to predict cancer survival, and may even make it possible to slow down the ageing process, scientists believe.
Researchers found that old “senescent” cells were likely to have 10 specific proteins on their surfaces. Cells that are senescent have reached a stage when they no longer divide and cease to function. To prevent them causing harm, they are often cleared away by the immune system. Senescence is linked to a wide range of conditions related to ageing including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia. Study leader Dr Salvador Macip, from the University of Leicester, said: “What we have found is a series of novel markers – a way to detect senescent cells. What is more, we have shown that they can be used to predict increased survival in certain types of cancer. “Our research has described new markers located on the surface of the old cells. This makes these markers particularly useful to quickly identify these cells in laboratory and human samples using a range of techniques.” The research showed that several of the markers were present in tumour samples from a number of different types of cancer. Their presence correlated with longer patient survival, especially for women with breast cancer. “These markers could be useful tools not only to study senescent cells in the lab but also they could be developed into diagnostics to help predict survival in cancer patients,” said Dr Macip. “Moreover, they could also be used in the future to define strategies to selectively eliminate the old cells from the tissues and thus reduce their effects on promoting ageing in healthy subjects.” The research is reported in the journal Cell, Death and Disease.