Bioelectric characterization of senescing human keratinocytes.

ABSTRACT: Aging disrupts tissue integrity through the accumulation of senescent cells that impair morphology, signaling, and regeneration. We investigated how bioelectric signaling, specifically resting membrane potential (V_mem), guides the transition to senescence in human keratinocytes. Using voltage-sensitive dyes, we tracked V_mem alongside senescence markers, chromatin state, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) cytokines. Senescence was marked by depolarization, increased inter-culture heterogeneity, reduced intra-culture variability, and loss of spatial V_mem organization. SASP activation was partial: depolarization selectively enhanced interleukin-6 (IL-6) but not IL-1α or IL-8, indicating V_mem shapes the senescent secretome. Senescen

SUBMITTER: Sediqi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12496192 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature