Senolytic Peptide FOXO4-DRI Selectively Removes Senescent Cells From in vitro Expanded Human Chondrocytes
Huang Y, He Y, Makarcyzk MJ, Lin H (2021). Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
Summary
Human chondrocytes were expanded in culture to the population-doubling level used for cartilage implantation, a process that generates senescent cells. Treatment with FOXO4-DRI removed more than half of the heavily expanded cells while leaving minimally expanded cells largely unaffected, and lowered senescence markers. Pre-treatment did not improve the cells' ability to form cartilage in pellet culture, although the tissue formed expressed fewer senescence-associated secretory factors. The authors conclude the peptide clears senescent chondrocytes but that its value for cartilage formation needs further work. A laboratory study.