The goal of Oncosence in this mew approach is to not only stop cell proliferation, but also induce a major new vulnerability that can be used in step two to eradicate the growth-arrested cells. Senescence fulfills both criteria, as senescent cells are in a stable state of proliferation arrest and due to their aberrant gene expression pattern, altered chromatin state and metabolic state, most likely have acquired multiple vulnerabilities that can be used for their selective eradication

Selectively targeting senescent cancer cells

Senescence is pre programmed in cells to prevent them from becoming cancerous. To become a cancer cell, the senescent capabilities of a healthy cell need to be by passed. At Oncosense we are finding ways return the senescence capabilities in cancer cells.

Senolytic screen platform

Schematic outline of our screening platform. Here we investigate the effects of 160 compounds in parental (proliferating) and senescent cells. Most compounds show only a strong effect in proliferating cells with the exception of compound A that selectively reduces cell survival in senescent cells.