ORNIA, S
AN FRANCISC
emit molecules that can change the extracellular
O
matrix and cause inflammation. This disturbs the
tissue’s function and contributes to aging. At the same
time, the breakdown of the extracellular matrix may
contribute to increased risk of cancer with age.
Learning why—on a biological level—cell senescence
goes from being beneficial early in life to having detri-
mental effects later in life may reveal some important
clues about aging.
20
GENETICS