Longevity & AgingNew Synthetic Flavonol Clears Senescent Cells and Reverses Lung Fibrosis in Mice
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a synthetic flavonol compound (F-4N) by systematically optimizing the chemical structure of natural senolytic flavonoids like quercetin and fisetin. In cell cultures, F-4N induced apoptosis in senescent lung fibroblasts at concentrations ~50 times lower than its natural counterparts while sparing healthy cells. In mouse models of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, daily F-4N treatment (10–30 mg/kg) reduced senescence markers, reversed established fibrosis, and promoted regeneration of alveolar epithelial tissue. These findings position F-4N as a promising lead candidate for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a fatal age-related lung disease with few effective therapies.
