Common Mechanisms of Development, Cancer and Aging

Current projects

What is the role of cellular senescence during development?
    We previously identified that programmed cellular senescence is a normal feature of embryonic development (Storer et al, 2013). We are investigating the functions, and molecular regulation of developmental senescence in a variety of models.

Is aberrant senescence linked to developmental birth defects?
    Aberrantly induced or chronic senescence is detrimental, contributing to the aging process and multiple diseases. However, it is not clear if mis-timed or ectopic senescence contributes to developmental defects and disorders. We are investigating whether alterations in senescence may contribute to developmental disorders (e.g. Rhinn et al, BioRxiv, 2021).

How does transient senescence contribute to cell plasticity and tissue regeneration?
    We have shown that transient exposure to the SASP can induce cellular plasticity and stem cell fate. We demonstrated this in skin, showing how keratinocytes exposed to the SASP become functional hair-follicle stem cells (Ritschka et al, 2017). We are exploring how the SASP can instruct such changes in cell fate, and the functional consequences of this interaction in both physiological and pathological settings, such as cancer.

How does mis-timed senescence contribute to disease, such as cancer or neurodegeneration?
The aberrant induction of senescence contributes to aging and disease. We recently identified how senescence-like changes may develop in a heterogenous manner and block tissue regeneration (Ritschka et al, 2020). We are investigating how senescence contributes to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.

Can we identify novel cellular features or bio-markers of cellular senescence?
    Senescent cells are very heterogenous and are difficult to identify in vivo. We are performing cell-based studies to identify novel markers and features of the dynamic senescence program.