James Kirkland

Background

James Kirkland (with collaborator Tamir Tchkonia) led the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging at Mayo Clinic for many years. A geriatrician by training, he has bridged basic senescence biology and human trials.

Key contributions

• Identification of senescent-cell anti-apoptotic pathways (SCAPs) as the vulnerability of senescent cells.
• Discovery of the dasatinib + quercetin (D+Q) combination as the first senolytic protocol in mice and humans.
• First-in-human senolytic pilot trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetic kidney disease.
• Founder of the Translational Geroscience Network running multi-site geroscience trials.

Influence

Kirkland’s lab essentially founded the senolytic field as a translational discipline. The SCAP framework guides ongoing senolytic-drug discovery and clinical-trial design.

Related entries

Senolytics, Cellular senescence, Fisetin.