Hypoxia-inducible factor and cellular senescence in pulmonary aging and disease

Abstract

Cellular senescence and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling are crucial in pulmonary aging and age-related lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. HIF plays a pivotal role in cellular adaptation to hypoxia, regulating processes like angiogenesis, metabolism, and inflammation. Meanwhile, cellular senescence leads to irreversible cell cycle arrest, triggering the senescence-associated secretory phenotype which contributes to chronic inflammation, tissue remodeling, and fibrosis. Dysregulation of these pathways accelerates lung aging and disease progression by promoting oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations. Recent studies indicate that HIF and senescence interact at multiple levels, where HIF can both induce and suppress senescence, depending on cellular conditions. While transient HIF activation supports tissue repair and stress resistance, chronic dysregulation exacerbates pulmonary pathologies. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that targeting HIF and senescence pathways could offer new therapeutic strategies to mitigate age-related lung diseases. This review explores the intricate crosstalk between these mechanisms, shedding light on how their interplay influences pulmonary aging and disease progression. Additionally, we discuss potential interventions, including senolytic therapies and HIF modulators, that could enhance lung health and longevity.

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