Senolytics improve muscle adaptation in old mice

Deletion of senescent cells improves numerous metabolic and physiologic conditions, including cardiac and renal function, fasting blood glucose, and physical function, to improve the overall lifespan and healthspan of aging organisms [1–3]. Genetic mouse models and senolytics, compounds that selectively kill senescent cells, have provided us with a deeper understanding of the maladaptive nature of senescent cells and the therapeutic benefit of their deletion, while also highlighting their necessity in certain situations [4]. However, to date, the contribution of senescent cells to aging in skeletal muscle is equivocal. Recently, our lab and others have utilized senolytics to examine the contribution of senescent cells to impaired muscle adaptability with age, including regeneration following injury and the anabolic response to mechanical overload, as well as any potential role in sarcopenia.