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New method to detect aging cells, and aid rejuvenation therapies, developed by researchers

Date:
October 5, 2016
Source:
Manchester University
Summary:
Scientists have discovered a new way to look for aging cells across a wide range of biological materials. The new method will boost understanding of cellular development and aging as well as the causes of diverse diseases.
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Scientists have discovered a new way to look for aging cells across a wide range of biological materials; the new method will boost understanding of cellular development and aging as well as the causes of diverse diseases.

Frustrated by the limitations of commercially available biomarkers -- researchers led by The University of Manchester's Professor Paul Townsend and senior author of the resulting paper, and honorary professor at Manchester, Professor Vassilis Gorgoulis, have developed a universally applicable method to assess senescence across biomedicine, from cancer research to gerontology.

Cellular senescence is a fundamental biological process involved in every day embryonic and adult life, both good -- for normal human development -- and, more importantly to researchers, dangerous by triggering disease conditions. Up to now available senescence detecting biomarkers have very limited and burdensome application. Therefore, a more effective, precise and easy-to-use biomarker would have considerable benefits for research and clinical practice.

"The method we have developed provides unprecedented advantages over any other available senescence detection products -- it is straight-forward, sensitive, specific and widely applicable, even by non-experienced users," said Professor Townsend.

"In addition to helping researchers make significant new breakthroughs into the causes of diseases -- including cancer -- through more effective understanding of senescence in cells, the new process will also aid the impact of emerging cellular rejuvenation therapies.

"By the better identification -- and subsequently elimination of -- senescent cells, tissues can be rejuvenated and the health span extended."

The research on the new methodology -- published as 'Robust, universal biomarker to detect senescent cells in biological specimens' in the journal Ageing Cell -- has led to two pending UK patents.


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Materials provided by Manchester University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

Manchester University. "New method to detect aging cells, and aid rejuvenation therapies, developed by researchers." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 October 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161005084033.htm>.
Manchester University. (2016, October 5). New method to detect aging cells, and aid rejuvenation therapies, developed by researchers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161005084033.htm
Manchester University. "New method to detect aging cells, and aid rejuvenation therapies, developed by researchers." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161005084033.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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