Fibroblast Senescence Drives Connective Tissue and Organ Aging (C02)

• Subject Area: Dermatology ; Biogerontology and Geriatric Medicine ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450627322

Accumulation of senescent fibroblasts enforce skin decline and possibly aging of other organs. We previously uncovered that JunB is responsible for the specific induction of fibroblast senescence, a profound metabolic switch and the release of senescence associated secretory phenotype. We here will explore whether (i) specific targeting of senescent fibroblasts with a JunB inhibitor, (ii) specific depletion of senescent fibroblasts and (iii) rejuvenation of natural killer cells with enhanced removal capacity for senescent fibroblasts, reverse or prevent skin and other organ aging and age-associated morbidities.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1506: Aging at Interfaces
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Karin Scharffetter-Kochanek