Ichor’s New Research Article Published by Major Journal Finds Potential Use for New Reactive Probe in Cellular Senescence

Ichor recently published a research article in Rejuvenation Research, a publisher of cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research on rejuvenation therapies in the laboratory and the clinic. In “Fluorescence-based detection of ferrous iron in senescent cells,” Ichor shares research showing the potential role of a newly discovered Fe2+ reactive probe for selective labeling of senescent cells in-vitro.

Existing research in cellular senescence has been limited due to the lack of reliable biomarkers, the majority of which terminate the source materials when identified. Due to iron’s accumulation in various tissues with age, and recent studies demonstrating that its level increases in senescent cells, Ichor conducted a research study to determine the feasibility of using a new Fe2+ reactive probe, SiRhoNox-1, for selective labeling of senescent cells in-vitro without killing the existing cells.

The findings of the research study show that SiRhoNox-1 selectivity labels live senescent cells faster and more specifically than current staining, such as SA-βGal or a derived fluorescent probe C12FDG. Due to the intracellular ferrous iron levels of senescent cells, SiRhoNox-1 can differentiate between senescent and non-senescent cells. This differentiation allows for non-damaging features of senescent cells to be lit up so researchers can identify them without causing harm to the existing cell.

“The cellular senescence field is booming, and the research done by our team to detect senescent cells without damaging the existing cell is a potential game-changer,” said Kelsey Moody, PhD, MBA, chief executive officer, Ichor Life Sciences. “No existing contract research organizations offer services dealing with the new cellular senescence field, making Ichor a differentiator in that space. We are incredible grateful to Rejuvenation Research for publishing our important finding and paving the way for the next wave of research in the field.”

Ichor’s research was completed in tandem with FoxBio, Inc., and the Lewis School of Health Services and Department of Chemistry at Clarkson University. The lead author of the publication, Kyle J. Parella, is a graduate student at Clarkson’s Lewis School of Health Services and Department of Chemistry

To read the pre-released study, visit: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/epdf/10.1089/rej.2021.0075