Mark Sanborn, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Chicago, has developed SenePy, an innovative open-source software platform designed to identify prematurely aging cells, known as senescent cells, in various tissues.

Senescent cells contribute to chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, by disrupting normal cell function.

The research team utilized SenePy to investigate the role of senescent cells in a range of conditions, such as cancer, heart attacks, COVID-19, and brain inflammation.

This research was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and included contributions from co-authors Xinge Wang, Shang Gao, and Yang Dai.

Findings revealed that senescent cells tend to cluster together, causing dysfunction in neighboring healthy cells, while also acting as a natural brake on tumor formation.

Sanborn employed single-cell sequencing data from over 1.6 million human and mouse cells to create genetic signatures that differentiate aging cells from healthy ones.

Dr. Jalees Rehman, the lead author and head of biochemistry and molecular genetics at UIC, noted that senescent cells cease normal functioning and promote inflammation, which adversely affects surrounding healthy cells.

The researchers identified 72 mouse and 64 human genetic signatures that vary across different tissues, such as the heart, lungs, and brain, complicating the identification of senescent cells.

SenePy enables researchers to analyze their tissue samples against these discovered genetic signatures, facilitating more targeted research on senescent cells.

The study also explored the potential of senolytic drugs, which target and eliminate senescent cells, offering new therapeutic targets for combating diseases and aging.

Published in Nature Communications, the study underscores the significance of recognizing senescent cells for a better understanding and treatment of various diseases.

As an open-source tool, SenePy is freely accessible to the scientific community, enhancing its potential impact on future therapeutic developments.