Page 2 - A. Aging

[A. Aging-1]

Ultrasound selectively stimulates senescent cells, promoting

their removal by macrophage recruitment

In Woo Kim¹˙²˙#, Su Hyun Lee¹˙#, Hyung Min Kim²˙³˙*, Ki Joo Pahk³˙*, So Yeon Kim¹˙²˙*

¹Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792,

Republic of Korea, ²Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST school, Korea University of Science and
Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea, ³Center for Bionics, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea

Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea

Senescent cells play critical roles in aging and age-associated diseases and therefore, various techniques have been

developed for selective removal of senescent cells. As such, we have provided a new method to selectively stimulate
senescent cells by utilizing low-intensity ultrasound treatment. We found that ultrasound treatment enhanced
cytokine secretion involved in macrophage recruitment in senescent cells, while no significant change was observed

in normal cells. In fact, the migration rate of monocyte, macrophage (Mφ) and M1 to the senescent cells, as well
as the phagocytosis activity of these immune cells increased by ultrasound treatment. Due to the advantages of

ultrasound treatment, such as non-invasiveness, deep penetration capability and easiness of clinical application, we
expect that our method can be applied to treat various senescent-associated diseases, in combination with other

established therapy.