Cellular senescence in human liver under normal aging and cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cellular senescence, a stress-induced program causing stable cell-cycle arrest, is a hallmark of liver aging, fibrosis, and cancer. However, the cell-type-specific mechanisms, spatial organization, and cancer-associated alterations in the liver remain unclear. We profiled 43 normal human livers spanning ages and fibrosis stages using a single-cell multiome, Xenium spatial transcriptomics, and CODEX, complemented by fibrotic mouse models and 24 colorectal cancer liver metastases. We found CDKN1A+ senescent hepatocytes, fibroblasts, cholangiocytes, and endothelial cells associated with age, liver disease, or cancer. Senescence differed between aged and fibrotic livers, with similar patterns in mice. Spatially, CDKN1A+ hepatocytes localized periportally, while SERPINE1+ aging-associated hepatocytes formed spatial clusters, potentially mediated by Claudins and THBS1. Fibrotic regions contained CXCL12+ senescent fibroblasts interacting with CXCR4+ immune cells. Chemotherapy intensified senescence in hepatocytes by 5-fold relative to aging and led to unique CDKN2A+ populations. Across conditions, senescent cells shared AP-1 activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis resistance, suggesting therapeutic opportunities.

Source: Cell Genomics

DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2025.101133

Institutions: Washington University in St. Louis, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $8,900

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Award: Institutional Training Grant in Genomic Science

OpenAlex ID: W7125384577