Senescent Cells / Zombie Cells / SASP
A state of stable, permanent cell cycle arrest that cells enter in response to various stresses — DNA damage, telomere shortening, oncogene activation, and oxidative stress. Unlike apoptosis (programmed cell death), senescent cells remain metabolically active and secrete a complex mixture of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases and growth factors collectively called the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). The SASP damages surrounding tissue and spreads senescence to neighbouring cells. Accumulation of senescent cells is a major driver of the chronic low-grade inflammation ("inflammaging") associated with all age-related diseases.
In skin specifically: senescent fibroblasts and keratinocytes accumulate with UV exposure and chronological aging. They secrete MMPs that degrade collagen and elastin, contributing directly to visible aging. Senolytics (drugs that selectively clear senescent cells) are a major area of longevity research.
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