Senescent cells, cells that cease to divide and proliferate while remaining metabolically active, are a complex and intriguing aspect of biological aging. They serve as both a protective mechanism against cancer, preventing damaged cells from uncontrollable replication, as well as a contributor to tissue dysfunction and age-related pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes. The precise mechanisms that underlie senescence and its contributions to the aging process remain areas of ongoing investigation and debate.

In this episode, Matt chats with Sapere Bio co-founder and CEO Natalia Mitin about measuring cellular senescence, using those measurements in the clinic, and the complex and heterogeneous role of cellular senescence in aging and disease. They also discuss Natalia's personal experiences using rapamycin off-label to improve energy levels and immune function, the importance of monitoring biomarkers when using off-label medications, and Natalia's thoughts on "rapamycin for all".

Prior to co-founding Sapere Bio, Natalia served as an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Department of Pharmacology. She spent over two decades developing assays for use in cancer research. She holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from the Mendeleev Institute for Chemical Technology and a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from Bowling Green State University.

Optispan uses the SapereX test in its healthspan optimization program.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan YouTube channel is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

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Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this channel I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these videos helpful!