Modelling Intrinsic and Extrinsic Cellular Senescence In Vitro With Complex Bioengineered Human Skin Constructs

The study developed complex bioengineered human skin constructs (HSCs) to model both intrinsic and extrinsic cellular senescence. Intrinsic senescence was simulated using high passage cells, while extrinsic senescence was induced by UVB irradiation. The researchers identified senescent cells using immunofluorescence markers and detected the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) through multiplexed ELISA. They found that markers like p16, HMGB1, and Caveolin1 were elevated in intrinsic senescence, whereas p21, gammaH2A.X, and inflammatory cytokines were more prominent in extrinsic senescence. The study concluded that these HSCs effectively mimic key features of cellular senescence, providing a valuable tool for studying aging mechanisms and testing senolytic therapies.