The redox-senescence axis and its therapeutic targeting
Natalie YL. Ngoi,
Angeline QX. Liew,
Stephen J.F. Chong,
Matthew S. Davids,
Marie-Veronique Clement,
Shazib Pervaiz
Affiliations
Natalie YL. Ngoi
Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
Angeline QX. Liew
Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Stephen J.F. Chong
Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
Matthew S. Davids
Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
Marie-Veronique Clement
Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Medicine Healthy Longevity Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Shazib Pervaiz
Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Medicine Healthy Longevity Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; Faculté de Medicine, University of Paris, Paris, France; Corresponding author. Department of Physiology and NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 2 Medical Drive, Building MD9, 117597, Singapore.
Significance: Cellular growth arrest, associated with ‘senescence’, helps to safeguard against the accumulation of DNA damage which is often recognized as the underlying mechanism of a wide variety of age-related pathologies including cancer. Cellular senescence has also been described as a ‘double-edged sword’. In cancer, for example, the creation of an immune-suppressive milieu by senescent tumor cells through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype contributes toward carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Recent advances: The potential for cellular senescence to confer multi-faceted effects on tissue fate has led to a rejuvenated interest in its landscape and targeting. Interestingly, redox pathways have been described as both triggers and propagators of cellular senescence, leading to intricate cross-links between both pathways. Critical issues: In this review, we describe the mechanisms driving cellular senescence, the interface with cellular redox metabolism as well as the role that chemotherapy-induced senescence plays in secondary carcinogenesis. Notably, the role that anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family play in inducing drug resistance via mechanisms that involve senescence induction. Future directions: Though the therapeutic targeting of senescent cells as cancer therapy remains in its infancy, we summarize the current development of senotherapeutics, including recognized senotherapies, as well as the repurposing of drugs as senomorphic/senolytic candidates.
