Nanoparticles combat ageing
Spanish scientists have developed a nanodevice that may have applications in the future development of therapies against ageing and provides promise for the treatment of age-related diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. The device, which is detailed in Angewandte Chemie, consists of nanoparticles that can selectively release drugs in aged (or senesced) human cells. The device consists of mesoporous nanoparticles with a galactooligosaccharide outer surface that prevents load release and that only selectively opens in senescent cells.
“The proof of concept demonstrates for the first time that selected chemicals can be released in these cells and not in others,” said Ramón Martínez Máñez who contributed to the research.
Senescence or biological ageing is a physiological process of accumulated changes to the cell metabolism with the passage of time, resulting in deterioration and death. When we are young, senescence prevents the appearance of tumours, but with age, senescent cells accumulate in organs and tissues and can disrupt their proper functioning.
“The elimination of these cells would slow down the appearance of diseases associated with ageing,” explained researcher Jose Ramon Murgui
The researchers evaluated the usefulness of the new devices in primary cell cultures derived from patients with accelerated ageing syndrome dyskeratosis congenital (DC). These cells show a high percentage of senescence characterised by elevated levels of the activity of the enzyme beta-galactosidase.
“The aging cells overexpress this enzyme so we have designed nanoparticles that open when detected and release their contents in order to eliminate senescent cells, prevent deterioration or even reactivate for their rejuvenation,” explained researcher José Ramón Murguía.
The next step is to test the device with therapeutic agents and validate it in animal models. “As far as we know this is the first time that a nanotherapy for senescent cells has been described. We believe that our research may open new paths for developing therapies for the treatment of age-related diseases,” Máñez added.
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