Edinburgh University study sheds light on how to stop damaging effects of ageing

Some of the damaging effects of ageing could be stopped by the manipulation of cells, according to new research.
The Edinburgh University study sheds light on how the damaging effects of ageing could be stopped. Pic: ShutterstockThe Edinburgh University study sheds light on how the damaging effects of ageing could be stopped. Pic: Shutterstock
The Edinburgh University study sheds light on how the damaging effects of ageing could be stopped. Pic: Shutterstock

The scientists’ work is said to have shed light on how the harm caused by senescence – a process that plays a key role in diseases of getting older – could be controlled or prevented.

Researchers say the findings could have relevance for age-related diseases including cancers and diabetes, although they caution further research is needed.

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Lead author of the study Professor Wendy Bickmore, of the University of Edinburgh, said: “These findings provide us with a much clearer understanding of how senescence causes cell damage.

“Whilst we are some way from being able to halt the damage caused by the ageing process, we hope that this advance will open up avenues to explore how we might slow some of the harm that stems from senescence.

“This could be of relevance to the many conditions that tend to affect us as we grow older.”

During senescence, cells stop dividing so can be beneficial in assisting wound-healing and preventing excessive growth.

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But some aspects of the process are also harmful and can lead to tissue damage and the deterioration of cell health, seen in diseases of older age.

Researchers showed manipulating a cell’s nuclear pores prevented triggering these damaging effects.

They focused on a chain of harmful processes triggered by the “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP).

The researchers found that shaping a cell’s nuclear pores– gateways through which molecules enter the heart of the cell – blocked the SASP from being set off. They say the study sheds light on the fundamental workings of the cell and could be instrumental in understanding cell ageing.

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The study, published in the medical journal Genes and Development, was funded by the Medical Research Council and by Cancer Research UK.

Dr Lindsay Wilson, programme manager for at the Medical Research Council, added: “Senescence is an essential self-defence mechanism but at times, can also be harmful. Professor Bickmore’s work suggests ways in which scientists of the future might target these harmful effects,.”

It is hoped the research can help to lay the groundwork for further exploration of treatments for related conditions, including skin cancer.

Dr Masashi Narita from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, said: “Understanding the process of senescence – a safety mechanism that damaged or ageing cells use to put the brakes on uncontrolled multiplication – is an extremely important area in biology.”

“This work is still a long way off benefits for people, but provides helpful clues to how we might be able to manipulate this process in the future.”