Targeting Senescent Cells to Treat Aging and Cancer

What biomedical issue did you address in your research and what did your studies find?

My Ph.D. research focused on understanding and targeting senescent cells — cells that stop dividing but release detrimental factors contributing to aging and age-related diseases, including cancer. I explored how infections like SARS-CoV-2 can worsen senescence by triggering excessive inflammation, potentially accelerating and sustaining tissue damage. In another project, using molecular and pharmacological approaches, I identified distinct subtypes of senescent cells, some of which are resistant to senolytic drugs typically used to target senescent cells. Notably, I found that enhancing certain senescence pathways in therapy-induced senescent (TIS) cancer cells can make them more responsive to senolytic treatment, which provides a potential strategy to improve cancer therapies and prevent relapse. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring senolytic treatments based on the unique characteristics of senescent cells, and have broad implications for aging, infections and cancer therapy.

What aspects of Mayo's culture helped you grow as a scientist and as a thinker?

Mayo’s collaborative, patient-centered research environment encouraged me to approach problems with curiosity while keeping clinical relevance in mind. One of the best things about my Ph.D. training was the freedom to dive into bold, high-impact scientific questions, with the support of the graduate school and the Mayo Clinic research community. I had the privilege to be part of an amazing network within the Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics graduate program, the Kogod Center on Aging, and to work alongside some truly inspiring scientists, including my mentor, Dr. Kirkland, a world-leader in aging research. His guidance not only deepened my understanding but also inspired me to think big.