Novel Markers ID Old Cells

A team from the University of Leicester (United Kingdom) has potential to assist with tackling diseases and conditions associated with aging.  Salvador Macip and colleagues have discovered a novel set of markers helps scientists to detect senescent cells – cells that may contribute not only to aging, but to cancer and decline of the immune system.  The team identified 107 proteins that could be potential markers of senescence and validated 10 of them (DEP1, NTAL, EBP50, STX4, VAMP3, ARMX3, B2MG, LANCL1, VPS26A and PLD3). They also demonstrated that a combination of these proteins can be used to specifically recognize senescent cells in culture and in tissue samples.  The study authors submit that: “Our results could facilitate the study of senescence, define potential new effectors and modulators of this cellular mechanism and provide potential diagnostic and prognostic tools to be used clinically.”