What is SASP?
SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype) is the mix of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and other factors secreted by senescent cells. It damages surrounding tissue, promotes chronic inflammation, and drives aging phenotypes.
Key Components
- •IL-6, IL-8 — pro-inflammatory cytokines
- •MMPs — matrix metalloproteinases that degrade tissue
- •Spread — SASP can induce senescence in neighboring cells
Why does SASP matter?
The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) matters because it lets a small number of aging cells influence the tissue around them. Senescent cells release a mix of inflammatory signals, growth factors and enzymes that can remodel tissue and recruit immune cells.
In the short term this can be useful, for example in wound healing and in alerting the immune system to damaged cells. When senescent cells build up and persist, their secretions are thought to contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation, sometimes called "inflammaging," which is associated with many age-related conditions.
What affects SASP?
The SASP is shaped by what caused a cell to become senescent and by the cell type involved. DNA damage, telomere shortening, oncogene activation and some chemotherapy drugs can all trigger senescence, and the resulting secretions vary accordingly.
Key regulators include signaling pathways such as NF-kB and mTOR. Drugs that remove senescent cells (senolytics) or dampen their secretions (senomorphics) are being studied, but human evidence is still early and limited. How lifestyle factors change the SASP in people is not well established.
In ONDA Life
The Senolytic article covers protocols to reduce SASP burden by clearing senescent cells.