New Software Identifies Aging Cells to Combat Chronic Diseases

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) researchers have developed SenePy, an open-source software platform, to identify prematurely aging cells, also known as senescent cells. These cells, which cease growing but do not die, contribute to diseases like cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Mark Sanborn, a UIC doctoral student, analyzed single-cell sequencing data from over 1.6 million human and mouse cells to create SenePy. The tool identifies genetic signatures that distinguish senescent cells from healthy ones in various tissues, including the heart, lungs, and brain. Researchers identified 72 mouse and 64 human signatures. Dr. Jalees Rehman, lead author and Benjamin J. Goldberg Professor, stated that SenePy helps researchers study these cells to better understand and treat diseases. The platform allows analysis of tissue samples and comparison to the discovered database of signatures. The researchers utilized SenePy to examine senescent cells' roles in cancer, heart attacks, COVID-19, and brain inflammation. They found that senescent cells cluster together and that senescence can act as a natural brake on tumor formation. The team also assessed the effectiveness of senolytic drugs, which clear senescent cells, and identified potential new targets for these drugs. The research was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health.