The Molecular Physiology of Ageing: New Targets for Regenerative Medicine

Ageing is a multifactorial process that affects almost every living organism. The fact that we have already uncovered many of the molecular pathways that determine the ageing phenotype in humans has allowed us to start studying strategies to slow down or prevent the deleterious effects of time in tissue physiology. Several ongoing lines of research are aimed at defining new therapies that could be used in regenerative medicine, based on the knowledge accumulated on the molecular physiology of ageing. Among those, the most promising focus on preventing the accumulation of old cells, also known as senescent cells. These have been shown to disrupt tissue physiology and to be responsible, at least in part, for many of the symptoms associated with ageing. Consistent with this, clearance of senescent cells results in prolonged lifespan and health span in mammals and thus could be a potent anti-ageing therapy. In this chapter, we will discuss these and other novel approaches for regenerative medicine being developed in the context of the current understanding of cellular ageing.