# Core D - Senescence Molecular Phenotyping Core (SMPC)

> **NIH NIH P01** · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · 2024 · $567,719

## Abstract

Core D: PROJECT SUMMARY
Cellular senescence is a key driver of aging and age-related diseases. There are however many
challenges to identifying and characterizing senescent cells in tissues such as the absence of
specific markers, their relative low abundance and vast heterogeneity. Studies conducted during
the first cycle of the PPG revealed the presence of sub-populations of senescent cells in aged
tissues, which can be p21Cip1- and/or p16Ink4a-dependent and exhibit a heterogeneous SASP
profile. In the new cycle of the PPG, our team collectively aims to investigate the impact of
targeting these specific sub-populations of senescent cells using unique animal models we have
developed.
The overall goal of the Senescence Molecular Phenotyping Core (SMPC) (Core D) is to
collaborate closely with the various projects and Cores and apply emerging single-cell
technologies to provide high-resolution molecular, cellular, and spatial characterization of cellular
senescence in different tissues during aging and how it is modified by interventions targeting sub-
populations of senescent cells in situ or systemically. Our research strategy builds on recent
advances in single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics and the recognition of the significant
complexity and heterogeneity in senescent cell phenotypes in different cell-types during aging.
We will apply dissociative methods such as single-cell (Sc) and single-nuclei (Sn) RNA-
sequencing but also spatially resolved multi-plex imaging methods such as CosMx, Imaging Mass
cytometry and CODEX. We will complement these analyses with a variety of established assays
to evaluate senescence-associated markers using RNA-scope, Immuno-FISH, FISH, and
immunofluorescence. Finally, we will work closely together with Core A and utilize cutting-edge
computational tools we developed, to define and analyze the transcriptome and proteome of
senescent cells in diverse tissues, considering their spatial distribution, microenvironment, and
integrating data from various sources.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10845138
- **Project number:** 2P01AG062413-06
- **Recipient organization:** MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Joao Passos
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $567,719
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-06-01 → 2029-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10845138

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10845138, Core D - Senescence Molecular Phenotyping Core (SMPC) (2P01AG062413-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10845138. Licensed CC0.

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