Cellular Senescence

Only available as part of a package

This module introduces cellular senescence as a key hallmark of aging and examines its complex roles in health and disease. Learners will explore how cellular senescence is defined and how it differs in laboratory models and living organisms. The module reviews the major mediators and mechanisms that drive cells into senescence. It also examines preclinical models used to study senescence and highlights the beneficial functions senescent cells can serve. Building on this foundation, learners will consider how senescent cell burden is measured in preclinical models and humans. The module addresses the diversity of senescent cells and how their characteristics can vary across tissues and conditions. Learners will assess evidence linking senescent cells to age-related diseases. The module concludes with an overview of emerging therapeutic strategies designed to target senescent cells and support healthier aging.

Lecture 1: Introduction to Cell Senescence

By the end of this lecture, learners will be able to:

Define cellular senescence

Differentiate between cellular senescence in vitro vs in vivo

Summarize mediators and mechanisms of senescence

Describe preclinical models of senescence

Acknowledge beneficial roles of senescent cells

Lecture 2: Cellular Senescence in Disease

By the end of this lecture, learners will be able to:

Understand senescent cell burden in preclinical models and humans

Describe the heterogeneity of senescent cells

Discuss the contribution of senescent cells to age-related disease

List several therapeutic strategies in development to target senescent cells

Nabora Reyes de Barboza

Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology

University of California San Diego

Dr. Nabora Reyes de Barboza is an Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at UC San Diego who studies how senescent cells regulate tissue formation, homeostasis, and regeneration, with a primary focus on the lung. She earned her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and MS in Quantitative and Systems Biology from UC Merced, where she investigated Nox proteins in hepatitis C signaling. She completed her PhD at UC Irvine under Dr. Ken Cho, studying BMP signaling in early embryonic development. As a postdoctoral fellow at UCSF with Dr. Tien Peng, Dr. Reyes explored senescent cell signaling during lung regeneration, developing a novel p16INK4a reporter mouse model that revealed a supportive role for senescent fibroblasts in tissue repair. Her independent research program focuses on the context-dependent roles of senescent fibroblasts across distinct lung microenvironments, particularly in aging and injury. Her lab investigates fibroblast-immune interactions, responses to viral infection, aging-associated changes, and the secreted factors that drive repair. Dr. Reyes’s work integrates developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and aging research to uncover new therapeutic strategies for respiratory disease. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the NRSA F32, UC Chancellor’s and UCSF-CIRM Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the NHLBI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award.

Allyson Palmer, MD, PhD

Consultant, Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine

Mayo Clinic

Allyson Palmer, MD, PhD, is a board-certified internist with expertise in the care of older adults. She is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Dr. Palmer attended medical school at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. She trained in Internal Medicine and completed subspecialty training in Geriatric Medicine at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Palmer's clinical practice focuses on acute care for older adults admitted to the hospital, as well as consultative and perioperative care for hospitalized older adults. Her research interests include cellular senescence, metabolic dysfunction of aging and obesity, and delirium.