Mechanisms and therapeutic implications of cellular senescence in osteoarthritis

Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2021 Jan;17(1):47-57. doi: 10.1038/s41584-020-00533-7. Epub 2020 Nov 18.

Abstract

The development of osteoarthritis (OA) correlates with a rise in the number of senescent cells in joint tissues, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been implicated in cartilage degradation and OA. Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and associated oxidative stress might induce senescence in joint tissue cells. However, senescence is not the only driver of OA, and the mechanisms by which senescent cells contribute to disease progression are not fully understood. Furthermore, it remains uncertain which joint cells and SASP-factors contribute to the OA phenotype. Research in the field has looked at developing therapeutics (namely senolytics and senomorphics) that eliminate or alter senescent cells to stop disease progression and pathogenesis. A better understanding of how senescence contributes to joint dysfunction may enhance the effectiveness of these approaches and provide relief for patients with OA.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ageism
  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cartilage, Articular / metabolism
  • Cartilage, Articular / pathology*
  • Cellular Senescence / drug effects*
  • Cellular Senescence / genetics
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism
  • Chondrocytes / pathology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA Damage / genetics
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal
  • Osteoarthritis / pathology*
  • Osteoarthritis / therapy
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Biomarkers
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases