Finalizzata GR 2016 - 02363222 The interplay between cellular aging and immune response in human colorectal liver metastasis: senescence as a new prognostic marker? (DSB.AD006.224)

Thematic area

Biomedical sciences

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB)

Project manager

VERONICA AGATA MARRELLA
Phone number: 0282245162
Email: veronica.marrella@cnr.it

Abstract

Colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are the third leading cause of cancer death in the world. Liver resection combined with
chemotherapy remains the only curative treatment for the disease. Standard chemotherapy has the potential to induce
accelerated aging in cells, a phenomenon herein referred as cellular senescence. Cells cease to proliferate, resulting in
tumor regression. However, senescent cells also behave as tumor-promoters and immune-modulators by the secretion of
pro-inflammatory molecules. Despite senescence is considered only a feature of pre-malignant stages in human tumors, we
identified the presence of senescent cells in human CLM. Here we investigate the pathophysiological role of senescence in
CLM of patients and in a xenograft mouse model of CLM. We will address whether the senescent program in CLM is
chemotherapy-dependent or is a physiological response to metastatic growth and whether it can be used as a prognostic
marker.

Start date of activity

15/01/2019

Keywords

liver, cellular aging

Last update: 24/08/2025