Multi-omics profiling reveals systemic rejuvenation of the aged kidney through senolytic therapy.

Chen, Shilin; Zhang, Chenglin; Cang, Pengxu; Guo, Weiming; Xiao, Liang; He, Yaohui; Su, Qiang; Ouyang, Shuhui et al. · NPJ Regen Med · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Cellular senescence is a key driver of kidney aging, leading to functional decline and increased susceptibility to chronic kidney disease. While the senolytic combination of dasatinib and quercetin (D + Q) has shown promise in mitigating age-related pathologies, its long-term effects and underlying multi-level systemic mechanisms in the aging kidney remain poorly defined. Here, we systematically evaluated the long-term effects of D + Q in naturally aged mice using multi-omics approaches. We show that D + Q treatment reduces senescence markers (p16, p21, SA-β-gal), restores the anti-aging protein Klotho, and attenuates renal fibrosis and inflammation. Proteomic profiling reveals that D + Q enhances apoptotic clearance of senescent cells and promotes proliferative and regenerative pathways. Moreover, D + Q reactivates PPARα signaling, improves fatty acid oxidation, and reduces lipid accumulation in aged kidneys. Single-cell transcriptomics further demonstrates that D + Q reverses transcriptional aging signatures across multiple renal cell types and remodels cell-type-specific pathways associated with metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Cell-cell communication analysis reveals that D + Q normalizes the hyperconnected intercellular network in aged kidneys, particularly by modulating inflammation-related signaling. Our findings offer a comprehensive, systems-level understanding of how senolytic therapy restores renal homeostasis, emphasizing its potential as a multifaceted intervention to combat kidney aging.