SenFlag gene pattern identifies aging cells in mouse and human tissues through shared gene activity

SenFlag identifies a rare yet progressively accumulating population of senescent cells in vivo across tissues in both mice and humans.

• SenFlag is based on a streamlined gene signature derived from bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets.
• It features a conserved transcriptional program marked by decreased expression of proliferation-related genes and increased expression of cell-cycle inhibitors.
• The gene signature also includes lysosomal features, with higher levels of V-ATPase subunits and cathepsins.
• SenFlag-positive cells are enriched in epithelial and endothelial tissues and show an increase with age and tissue injury.
• These cells are reduced in datasets from senescence-targeting interventions, indicating the specificity of SenFlag in vivo.

Simplified