Photoactivatable senolysis with single-cell resolution delays aging

Donglei Shi, Wenwen Liu, Ying Gao, Xinming Li, Yunyuan Huang, Xiaokang Li, Tony James, Yuan Guo, Jian Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Strategies that can selectively eliminate senescent cells (SnCs), namely senolytics, have been shown to promote healthy lifespan. However, it is challenging to achieve precise, broad-spectrum and tractable senolysis. Here, we integrate multiple technologies that combine the enzyme substrate of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) with fluorescence tag for the precise tracking of SnCs, construction of a bioorthogonal receptor triggered by SA-β-gal to target and anchor SnCs with single-cell resolution and incorporation of a selenium atom to generate singlet oxygen and achieve precise senolysis through controllable photodynamic therapy (PDT). We generate KSL0608-Se, a photosensitive senolytic prodrug, which is selectively activated by SA-β-gal. In naturally-aged mice, KSL0608-Se-mediated PDT prevented upregulation of age-related SnCs markers and senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors. This treatment also countered age-induced losses in liver and renal function and inhibited the age-associated physical dysfunction in mice. We therefore provide a strategy to monitor and selectively eliminate SnCs to regulate aging.
Original languageEnglish
JournalNature Aging
Early online date2 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2 Feb 2023

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