This scientific paper explores the phenomenon of neuronal senescence in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which are clusters of nerve cells involved in sensory perception. The research demonstrates that aging and peripheral nerve injury both contribute to the accumulation of senescent neurons in the DRG of mice and humans. These senescent neurons are found to express pro-inflammatory markers like IL6 and exhibit altered electrical excitability, particularly in nociceptors, which are pain-sensing neurons. Crucially, the study shows that targeting and removing these senescent cells with a senolytic drug can improve pain-related behaviors, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for treating chronic pain, especially in older individuals.
Donovan, L.J., Brewer, C.L., Bond, S.F. et al. Aging and injury drive neuronal senescence in the dorsal root ganglia. Nat Neurosci 28, 985–997 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-025-01954-x
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