Our challenge

SenoITarg is an interdisciplinary project aimed at elucidating the role of senescent cells in different biological contexts of critical clinical relevance, including aging, cancer, acute and chronic tissue injury following pathological or iatrogenic insults.

The study will lead to the identification of novel elements of cellular senescence and potentially discover innovative pharmacological therapies to modulate this biological process.

Through an efficient network between four different Swiss laboratories it will be possible to develop new hypotheses, prognostic biomarkers and rational drug selection for future studies.

About us

Seno|Targ is conducted by a multidisciplinary group of scientists and clinicians from four different Swiss laboratories :

      • Alimonti’s laboratory (project coordinator) at the Institute of Oncology Research in Bellinzona (IOR, affiliated to USI and member of Bios+) ;
      • Auwerx’s laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) ;
      • Cippà’s laboratory at the Nephrology Department of the EOC in Lugano
      • Barile`s laboratory at the Cardiocentro Ticino (EOC)

Research

The overall aim of the Seno|Targ project is to characterize and target cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction in physiological, pathological and iatrogenic conditions.

Evaluation of senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction in different contexts would enable a comprehensive understanding of the pathways regulating aging and may highlight novel targets or compounds effective for the treatment of age-related diseases.

New targets identified based on this approach will guide the development of new hypotheses, prognostic biomarkers and rational drug selection for future studies.