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Washington: American scientists have discovered a way to track and study cells associated with aging-related diseases. This is a non-invasive method to identify and study cells in the body that contribute to disorders associated with aging, such as cancer, tissue degeneration, and inflammatory diseases.
According to researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), although these cells, known as senescent cells, cease to divide and grow, for some reason, they do not die as expected for aged cells. Instead, they undergo significant changes in shape, metabolic processes, and genetic activity.
The experts noted that previous methods for studying these cells led to their destruction. By using an analytical technique known as Raman microscopy, which reveals the biochemical composition of cells without damaging them, along with analyzing the genetic activity of each cell individually, they were able to identify unique "fingerprints" of senescent cells.
They conducted an experiment during the study on laboratory mouse cells and are currently working on adapting it for use with human tissues.
Ji-Won Kang from the institute and the principal author of the study said, "It is conceivable that one day we may develop an endoscope capable of looking inside the body and identifying senescent cells," adding, "Aging is not merely a pathological condition. Cellular senescence, although it causes skin sagging and muscle weakness in the elderly, plays beneficial and vital roles in embryonic development and tissue regeneration."
The significance of this scientific discovery related to aging-related diseases lies in the fact that this recent study helps scientists adopt a highly comprehensive approach to understanding aging and identifying senescent cells, as they play a role in a wide range of normal physiological conditions as well as numerous pathological cases.
