Calcium (Ca(2+)) fluxes at mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCS) are a new target of senolysis in therapy-induced senescence (TIS)

NPJ Aging. 2025 Feb 21;11(1):11. doi: 10.1038/s41514-025-00197-1.

ABSTRACT

Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) alters calcium (Ca²⁺) flux and Mitochondria-ER Contact Sites (MERCS), revealing critical vulnerabilities in senescent cells. In this study, TIS was induced using Doxorubicin and Etoposide, resulting in an increased MERCS contact surface but a significant reduction in ER-mitochondria Ca²⁺ flux. Mechanistically, TIS cells exhibit decreased expression of IP3R isoforms and reduced interaction between type 1 IP3R and VDAC1, impairing Ca²⁺ transfer. This flux is crucial for maintaining the viability of senescent cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Inhibition of ER-mitochondria Ca²⁺ flux demonstrates senolytic effects both in vitro and in vivo, offering a novel strategy for targeting senescent cells.

PMID:39984524 | DOI:10.1038/s41514-025-00197-1