Novel strategies for targeting cellular senescence

Aging is a complex process driving the progressive functional decline of various tissues. The FWF research group "SENIOPROM" aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms that contribute to cell aging, also known as cellular senescence. In mammals, including humans, senescent cells accumulate during aging, compromise organs` function, and contribute to various age-related diseases. In the SENIOPROM project, we aim to elucidate how the interplay of mitochondria with other organelles, new mechanisms of metabolic regulation, and the maintenance of functional proteins contribute to cell senescence. Based on these subcellular processes, we aim to develop and characterize new small molecules that selectively remove senescent cells or render them harmless. We utilize cell cultures, different model organisms, and simplified artificial human organs to investigate mechanisms and test potential new treatment strategies. SENIOPROM generates added value through the interdisciplinary collaboration between molecular and cell biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, and computational and medicinal chemistry. The consortium involves three recently established PIs working at the University of Innsbruck (Teresa Kaserer), the Medical University of Graz (Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski), and the Medical University of Vienna (Markus Schosserer) with one well-established expert in senescence research from the Institute for Biomedical Aging Research at Innsbruck University, Pidder Jansen-Dürr, who will also serve as coordinator of the SENIOPROM project. Further information can be found at www.senioprom.com.