Directed elimination of senescent cells by inhibition of BCL-W and BCL-XL

The document reports that senescent cells, which can prevent cancer but also contribute to aging, resist apoptosis due to increased levels of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-W and BCL-XL. The study demonstrates that targeting these proteins with siRNAs or the molecule ABT-737 can induce apoptosis in senescent cells. In mouse models, ABT-737 was shown to effectively remove senescent cells caused by DNA damage in the lungs and those formed in the epidermis by p53 activation. The removal of senescent cells from the epidermis resulted in increased proliferation of hair-follicle stem cells. This suggests a potential pharmacological approach for treating age-related diseases and possibly promoting hair growth.