Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky

Cellular senescence, a permanent cell-cycle arrest, limits tumorigenesis and tissue damage. However, the long-term presence of senescent cells can paradoxically promote tissue damage and aging. These non-cell-autonomous effects are partially mediated by the secretion of soluble factors from senescent cells to their microenvironment. 

In order to understand the role of cellular senescence in cancer, and aging our research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms associated with the interaction of senescent cells with their microenvironment. 

We also study how the immune system regulates the presence of senescent cells. Elimination of senescent cells extends healthspan and lifespan in mice and alleviates a variety of age-related conditions.  We thus employ our understanding of immune surveillance of senescent cells in order to develop novel approaches for senescent cell elimiantion.