In general, senescent cells are cells that have irreversibly stopped growing and are less likely to undergo cell death. They accumulate in tissues with aging and produce various inflammatory proteins, which are involved in tissue inflammation, aging, and cancer. It has been reported to accelerate the development of various age-related diseases.Naked mole rats are the longest-lived rodents, with a maximum lifespan of 37 years or more, and are said to be resistant to aging and carcinogenesis, but the mechanism remains unclear.

　In this study, it was found that when naked mole rat fibroblasts were induced to undergo cellular senescence, senescent cells undergo cell death that is not seen in other species such as humans and mice.In addition, species-specific serotonin metabolism and vulnerability to hydrogen peroxide contribute to the mechanism, and it was found that a similar mechanism occurs in vivo.This mechanism may prevent the accumulation of senescent cells in vivo and contribute to resistance to aging and cancer.

　In recent years, the development of ``senolytic drugs'' that remove senescent cells and improve the aging state has progressed, but there is room for debate about their safety.On the other hand, naked mole rats, which are resistant to senescence and cancer, are thought to have acquired the ability to eliminate senescent cells innately during the course of evolution.

　By analyzing and researching what kind of senescent cells are removed in naked mole rats, when, where, and how they should be removed, we will be able to safely remove senescent cells. It can be expected to contribute to drug development.

* In addition to Kumamoto University and Graduate School, Keio University, Hiroshima University, Kyoto University, Hoshi Pharmaceutical University, and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases participate.

Paper information:[The EMBO Journal] Cellular senescence induction leads to progressive cell death via the INK4a-RB pathway in naked mole-rats