The tumour suppressor p16INK4A is expressed by senescent cells, which accumulate in tissues over time, and might have a role in ageing. By specifically inducing apoptosis of p16INK4A-expressing cells in mice, Baker et al. demonstrate that clearance of these cells extends their lifespan: it reduces tumorigenesis as well as other features associated with ageing, with no evidence of side effects. It will be interesting to determine how clearance of these cells prevents tumour formation and whether this can be exploited for cancer therapy.
References
Baker, D. J. et al. Naturally occurring p16Ink4a-positive cells shorten healthy lifespan. Nature 530, 184–189 (2016)
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Seton-Rogers, S. Preventing ageing. Nat Rev Cancer 16, 129 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc.2016.20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc.2016.20
