Targeting PLA2G15 Reduces Senescence and Alters Lipid Metabolism in Kidney Cells

BUFFALO, NY — October 13, 2026 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 18 of Aging on September 16, 2026, titled “Targeting phospholipase Pla2g15 reduces long-chain BMP phospholipids abundance and senescence in kidney cells.”
The study found that disrupting the gene Pla2g15 reduced stress-induced cellular senescence in mouse kidney cells while altering the composition of phospholipids involved in lysosomal function. The findings identify a possible connection between lipid metabolism, mitochondrial pathways and kidney aging, suggesting that PLA2G15 could become a potential therapeutic target for age-related kidney disease.
The research was led by first author Sanne van der Rijt, affiliated with Amsterdam UMC. Corresponding authors Georges E. Janssens and Riekelt H. Houtkooper are also affiliated with Amsterdam UMC, while corresponding author Alessandra Tammaro is affiliated with Amsterdam UMC and Leiden University Medical Center.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) becomes increasingly common with age and is associated with progressive loss of kidney function. One contributing factor is the accumulation of senescent cells, particularly proximal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), which play an important role in reabsorbing filtered substances and maintaining kidney function. Although cellular senescence can initially protect against damage, persistent senescent cells can release inflammatory and profibrotic factors that contribute to tissue injury, scarring and functional decline.
The researchers focused on the role of lysosomes, cellular compartments responsible for breaking down and recycling biological materials. Lysosomal function depends partly on specialized phospholipids, including bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP), which helps maintain the organization and activity of the lysosomal system. Previous research has linked increased BMP abundance to aging and kidney disease, but its contribution to cellular senescence remains incompletely understood.
DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206415
Corresponding authors - Georges E. Janssens - g.e.janssens@amsterdamumc.nl, Riekelt H. Houtkooper - r.h.houtkooper@amsterdamumc.nl, and Alessandra Tammaro - a.tammaro@lumc.nl
Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR_t76ZWZH0
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Keywords - aging, phospholipids, bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP), PLA2G15, tubular epithelial cell senescence
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