Transcriptomic profiling of human senescent cells upon treatment with the senolytic agent procyanidin C1

In the course of aging, the long term retention of senescent cells in vivo, a process mainly attributed to highly expressed BCL-family proteins, chronically damages tissues mainly through a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). It has been documented that accumulation of senescent cells accelerates aging and contributes to age-related diseases. Indeed, senescent cells can be removed by several strategies, thus preventing occurrence of chronic disorders and prolonging lifespan and healthspan. Senolytics, which eliminate senescent cells by pharmacological intervention, have recently emerged as a new line of therapeutic agents to ameliorate diverse age-related pathologies. Achieving the goal using natural or synthetic agents would have a tremendous impact on the quality of life. We report the potential of procyanidin C1 (PCC1), an epicatechin trimer natural product derived from plant sources including grape, apple, and cocoa, in targeting senescent cells via induction of apoptosis. This study demonstrates the efficacy of PCC1 in minimizing the influence of senescent cells in tissue microenvironment and provides a strong rationale for its future use in aging control and geriatric medicine. Examination of in vitro efficacy of PCC1 in treating human senescent cells. This assay was performed beyond previous studies reporting their effects in treatment of disorders including but not limited to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.