What do you think of when you hear the word “zombie?” We imagine a dead brain-eating creature from horror movies, but in real life zombie cells are something that we cannot even see. These Zombie cells, or known scientifically as senescent cells, are damaged or older cells that refuse to die when they are supposed to. Instead, these cells linger in the body and release harmful signals that can accelerate aging and can contribute to chronic disease. These cells are far from fictions, they are rapidly a growing focus in aging research and it is possible that understanding them could be the key to extending human lifespan.
Typically cells have a very predictable life cycle, they grow, divide, perform their set function, and then they die when they can no longer continue their function. Yet these “zombie cells” completely break this rule. When a cell is exposed to DNA damage, toxins, or repeated cell division they can enter a stage where they permanently stop dividing. The cell does this as a protective measure to prevent damaged cells from turning into cancer. However, the main trouble begins when these zombie cells start to accumulate.
Zombie cells do not stop or “retire,” they continue to release a cocktail of inflammatory chemicals (cytokines), enzymes, and a signaling molecule known as senecane-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and overtime this acts as a toxic waste in the body. Resulting in damage to nearby healthy cells and leads to disruption of tissue function. Before it was assumed that these “Zombie cells” were idle and did not use any energy. However as the cells get older they require more energy and causes the brain to strip resources from other biological processes. Which is where we see outward signs of ageing such as getting your first grey hair or even reduction in muscle mass.
Some studies focus on the biomarkers these cells release as a way to predict health outcomes in older adults. Which can be measured and help predict mortality beyond the combination of a person's age, sex, or if they have a chronic disease. While other studies are looking at ways to kill these zombie cells to improve age related disease and extend human lifespans.
So zombie cells might sound like science fiction, but they are very real and could be what we need to unlock longer and healthier lives.
Some articles that focus on studies about zombie cells:
Work cited:
Šoša, I. (2025). Influence of a Zombie-like State of the Liver on Drugs and Its Medico-Legal Implications: A Scoping Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(6), 787. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060787
This is my first time hearing about Zombie cells. I wonder what their prevalence is like, are they extremely rare or somewhat common in our bodies? In addition to that because they are releasing cytokines and causing disruption in tissues. I am curious of what protective mechanism the body has to get rid of zombie cells? Or do zombie cells go unchecked?
ReplyDeleteCould cancer cells be counted as zombie cells?
ReplyDelete