Blog – Page 2

Cellular senescence is a multifaceted stress response marked by stable proliferative arrest and the secretion of diverse biologically active factors, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The senescent phenotype is remarkably variable and subject to various regulatory influences. We previously demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by diverse stimuli, including the loss of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), leads to the hyperactivation of AMPK and p53, culminating in senescence while concurrently suppressing much of the proinflammatory SASP. Here, we extend our findings by revealing that the absence of SIRT3 can suppress segments of the SASP even in the absence of p53. Intriguingly, SIRT3 deficiency renders cells resistant to stimulation by exogenous cytokines, such as interleukin-1.

When moving around in their surroundings, humans heavily rely on what is known as proprioception, sometimes referred to as the “sixth sense.” This is the body’s subconscious ability to sense its own position, movements and location in space, via many tiny receptors that respond to mechanical strain located in the muscles, tendons and skin.

Researchers at University of Pisa, the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), and University of Rome Tor Vergata recently carried out a study investigating how artificially stretching the skin while people are moving their fingers influences proprioception. Their findings, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, suggest that precisely deforming the skin while people are flexing their fingers alters how they perceive their hand and finger postures.

“According to common belief, humans have only five senses: vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch; yet physiology tells us there are more,” Eleonora Fontana, first author of the paper, told Medical Xpress. “An essential, often overlooked ‘sixth sense’ is proprioception—our body’s ability to perceive limb position and movement in space. While much of this information is processed subconsciously, it is central to guiding our everyday movements; in fact, individuals with proprioceptive deficits suffer from severe movement impairments.”