University of Dundee targets 'zombie cells' in aging diseases

Scientists at the University of Dundee have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against aging and age-related diseases. They have discovered a way to eliminate "zombie cells," which are damaged cells that contribute to health issues like cancer and other illnesses. These zombie cells can lead to conditions such as cancer and heart disease. They still exist in the body but do not function normally. Instead of dividing, they harm surrounding cells and weaken our organs and immune system. Researchers believe that removing these cells could help treat various age-related diseases. Working alongside colleagues from the University of Athens, the Dundee team created a platform that targets and eliminates these cells, minimizing side effects. Traditional treatments have struggled to do this without harming healthy cells. Professor Vassilis Gorgoulis from Dundee explained that this research marks a crucial step toward safely removing senescent cells. The new platform opens doors for discovering medicines that could help cure age-related diseases like cancer. Professor Russell Petty, also from Dundee, emphasized the platform's importance. He noted that the findings offer strong potential for developing new anti-cancer treatments and could address other issues related to aging. This discovery has been documented in the journal Nature Aging, highlighting its innovative approach to combating age-related health challenges.