Glutaminase-responsive nano-carrier for precise rejuvenation of senescent cells by restoring autophagy in chronic kidney disease treatment

Cellular senescence disrupts tissue homeostasis and diminishes physiological integrity, leading to the accumulation of senescent cells (SCs) in multiple senescence-associated diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment of SCs has been approved to be a feasible approach to these diseases. However, curing SCs in different cell types remains challenging. In this study, we leveraged the high expression of glutaminase (GLS) in SCs to develop a drug delivery system utilizing γ-poly glutamic acid (γ-PGA) conjugated with octadecylamine (ODA) to encapsulate rapamycin (RP), resulting in a GLS-responsive drug delivery system, designated as RPPO. In a model of drug induced senescence, the γ-PGA component of RPPO was degraded by cellular GLS, facilitating the release of encapsulated RP and rejuvenating SCs by restoring the autophagic capacity. Additionally, in a model of CKD in mice, RPPO enhanced recovery by rejuvenating SCs, reducing fibrosis, and alleviating inflammation. Thus, this senescent cell-responsive drug delivery system presents a novel approach for the treatment of CKD.