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Targeting cellular senescence in dermatology: senolytic and senomorphic strategies

Haykal D, Flament F, Garibyan L, Lee K, Escot J, Gueniche A, Kirkland J

GeroScience, 2026

Abstract

Cellular senescence has emerged as a central mechanism driving cutaneous aging, impaired regeneration, and numerous dermatologic pathologies. Initially evolved as a protective mechanism to prevent malignant transformation and facilitate wound repair, senescence becomes maladaptive when senescent cells persist. Senescent keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes can secrete pro-inflammatory mediators and other factors, collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which may degrade extracellular matrix components, disrupt pigmentary balance, and impair barrier function. Senescent cells are resistant to conditions that cause death of non-senescent cells and are generally removed by the immune system. Persisting senescent cells can become increasingly pro-inflammatory and fibrotic, perhaps due to accumulating DNA damage within these cells. Two primary geroscience-based therapeutic paradigms (gerotherapeutics) have been proposed: senolytics, which selectively eliminate senescent cells, and senomorphics, which modulate or suppress SASP activity without inducing senescent cell death. In dermatology, these approaches are particularly relevant given skin's accessibility, visible aging markers, and ability to serve as a translational platform for systemic gerotherapeutic interventions. Interfering with the development of senescent cells, for example by interfering with such regulators of senescent cell formation as p16, retinoblastoma protein (pRB), p53,…

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