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Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) in Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible growth arrest that cells enter into as a response to various stressors, such as DNA damage or telomere shortening. Senescent cells undergo significant changes in their gene expression profile, leading to the secretion of a wide range of bioactive molecules. This secretion profile is known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP).

Definition

The SASP is a complex mixture of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes that are secreted by senescent cells. These secreted factors can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the surrounding tissue microenvironment.

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Role of SASP in Cellular Senescence

The SASP plays a crucial role in the senescence-associated phenotype by influencing various cellular processes and mediating the communication between senescent cells and their neighboring cells. Some of the key functions of SASP include:

• Senescence reinforcement: SASP factors can reinforce the senescence phenotype in neighboring cells, promoting the spread of senescence and preventing the proliferation of potentially damaged or cancerous cells.
• Immune modulation: SASP components can attract immune cells to the site of senescent cells, promoting immune surveillance and clearance of senescent cells.
• Tissue remodeling: SASP factors can induce changes in the extracellular matrix, promoting tissue remodeling and repair processes.
• Senescence-associated inflammation: SASP factors can induce a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, known as senescence-associated inflammation, which can contribute to age-related diseases and tissue dysfunction.
• Paracrine signaling: SASP factors can act as signaling molecules, influencing the behavior of neighboring cells and potentially impacting tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

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Overall, the SASP is a complex and dynamic secretome that plays a crucial role in cellular senescence. While it can have beneficial effects in certain contexts, the chronic presence of SASP factors can also contribute to age-related diseases and tissue dysfunction. Understanding the role of SASP in cellular senescence is essential for developing strategies to target senescent cells and promote healthy aging.

Keywords: senescence, factors, cellular, senescent, tissue, associated, phenotype, remodeling, neighboring