Senolytic Drug Discovery Services

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by the gradual decline of cellular function and the accumulation of senescent cells. These cells, which have lost their ability to divide, secrete a variety of inflammatory factors, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which contribute to aging and age-related diseases. Senolytic drugs, designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells, have emerged as a promising anti-aging strategy.

Fig. 1 Current categories of senolytics. (Power H, et al., 2023)

At CD BioSciences, we offer a comprehensive suite of services for the process of identifying and developing effective senolytics.

How Do We Screen for Novel Senolytic Drugs?

Preparing in vitro models of cell senescence

We employ various human cell models, including fibroblasts and stem cells, to mimic the senescence process accurately. By inducing senescence through oxidative stress or replicative exhaustion, we help clients generate a relevant environment to assess the efficacy of potential senolytic drugs. Our services also include detailed characterization of senescent cells using assays that measure senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, changes in cell morphology, and expression of senescence markers.

Senolytic screening

Our advanced big data and high-performance computing drug screening capabilities enable clients to screen candidates from compound libraries in parallel against senescent cell models. Our team specializes in the development and optimization of automating assays for drug discovery. Our services accelerate the identification of potential senolytic drugs from compound labi for clients.

Assessment of the efficacy of senolytics

We offer comprehensive cytotoxicity assays and cell viability assays to evaluate the effects of drugs on senescent and non-senescent cells. Our services assist clients in confirming that selected senolytics effectively reduce the viability of senescent cells while demonstrating minimal cytotoxicity towards non-senescent cells.

Senolytic Drug Categories We Can Develop

CD BioSciences specializes in the development of various categories of senolytic drugs. Each category targets different aspects of senescent cell function.

• Kinase inhibitors. Kinase inhibitors play a pivotal role in the regulation of numerous cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis. By targeting specific kinases involved in the senescence pathway, such as the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, we help clients develop novel senolytics that promote the clearance of senescent cells.
• Protein inhibitors. By inhibiting proteins involved in the SASP, including BCL-1 and BET family proteins, we help clients develop senolytics to promote apoptosis of senescent cells. Our team explores a variety of protein inhibitors, aiming to develop targeted therapeutics with significant anti-aging effects.
• Protein stabilizers. We help clients develop senolytics that modulate the stability of key proteins involved in senescence, which can promote the clearance of senescent cells or inhibit the secretion of SASP factors.

CD BioSciences is dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of services designed to identify and develop novel senolytics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.

Reference

1. Power H, et al. Strategies for senolytic drug discovery. Aging Cell, 2023, 22 (10): e13948.