Scientists at the Lifespan Research Institute have identified LAMP1 (CD107a), a lysosomal membrane protein, as a stable cell-surface biomarker of senescent cells. Normally confined to lysosomes, LAMP1 appears prominently on the outer membrane of senescent cells in culture and in aging mouse tissues. Its presence increases with age across multiple tissues and spikes in bleomycin-induced fibrotic lungs — a model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. RNA-sequencing confirmed that LAMP1-positive cells are enriched for established senescence gene signatures. The team also demonstrated that a dual antibody-drug conjugate strategy targeting surface LAMP1 can selectively kill senescent cells, opening a potential therapeutic avenue for age-related diseases.
