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Senescence is a phenomenon defined by alterations in cellular organelles and is the primary cause of aging and aging-related diseases. Recent studies have shown that oncogene-induced senescence is driven by activation of serine/threonine protein kinases (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3). In this study, we evaluated twelve AKT inhibitors and revealed GDC0068 as a potential agent to ameliorate senescence. Senescence-ameliorating effect was evident from the finding that GDC0068 yielded lysosomal functional recovery as observed by reduction in lysosomal mass and induction in autophagic flux. Furthermore, GDC0068-mediated restoration of lysosomal function activated the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, resulting in restoration of mitochondrial function. Together, our findings revealed a unique mechanism by which senescence is recovered by functional restoration of lysosomes and mitochondria through modulation of AKT activity.

Mitochondria are one of the organelles undergoing rapid alteration during the senescence process. Senescent cells show an increase in mitochondrial size, which is attributed to the accumulation of defective mitochondria, which causes mitochondrial oxidative stress. Defective mitochondria are also targets of mitochondrial oxidative stress, and the vicious cycle between defective mitochondria and mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to the onset and development of aging and age-related diseases. Based on the findings, strategies to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress have been suggested for the effective treatment of aging and age-related diseases. In this article, we discuss mitochondrial alterations and the consequent increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress. Then, the causal role of mitochondrial oxidative stress on aging is investigated by examining how aging and age-related diseases are exacerbated by induced stress. Furthermore, we assess the importance of targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress for the regulation of aging and suggest different therapeutic strategies to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress. Therefore, this review will not only shed light on a new perspective on the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in aging but also provide effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of aging and age-related diseases through the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Mitochondria are one of organelles that undergo significant changes associated with senescence. An increase in mitochondrial size is observed in senescent cells, and this increase is ascribed to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria that generate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such dysfunctional mitochondria are prime targets for ROS-induced damage, which leads to the deterioration of oxidative phosphorylation and increased dependence on glycolysis as an energy source. Based on findings indicating that senescent cells exhibit mitochondrial metabolic alterations, a strategy to induce mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming has been proposed to treat aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we discuss senescence-related mitochondrial changes and consequent mitochondrial metabolic alterations. We assess the significance of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming for senescence regulation and propose the appropriate control of mitochondrial metabolism to ameliorate senescence. Learning how to regulate mitochondrial metabolism will provide knowledge for the control of aging and age-related pathologies. Further research focusing on mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming will be an important guide for the development of anti-aging therapies, and will provide novel strategies for anti-aging interventions.