It was found that inhibiting KGA-dependent carboxylolysis in mice eliminated senescent cell
A team of researchers affiliated with a host of institutions across Japan has found that inhibiting kidney-type glutaminase-dependent glutaminolysis in mice can lead to elimination of senescent cells. The group described using RNA interfering to find enzymes required for senescent cells survival, and then causing them to die in their journal Science article. In the same issue of the journal, Christopher Pan and Jason Locasale from the Duke University School of Medicine published a Perspectives article outlining the research on glutamine and its role in the new effort.
When cells lose their ability to divide, they are said to be senescent. Researchers have found that cells may reach senescence when they are exposed to stress. This can be mitochondrial, replication or oxidative stress. The cells continue to live and function but cannot divide. In previous research, it was found that senescent cell play a part in the development of certain aging-related illnesses such as arteriosclerosis or muscle degeneration. Scientists have therefore been searching for a way to eliminate senescent cells. Researchers have discovered a new way to eliminate senescent test cells in mice by removing the pathway that is necessary for them to survive.
This work involved a screen using RNA interference in order to find enzymes needed by senescent cell to survive. They began to focus on glutamine metabolism and specifically glutaminase 1 as a result. It was found to be crucial to the survival of senescent cellular. The team inhibited glutaminase pathway in test mice. The researchers observed that after a period of time, inhibiting this pathway caused senescent cell death. They found that, over time, it reduced organ issues associated with aging and obesity.
Source:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-01-inhibiting-kga-dependent-glutaminolysis-mice-senescent.html
