Anti-senescent drug screening by deep learning-based morphology senescence scoring

Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 11;12(1):257. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20213-0.

Abstract

Advances in deep learning technology have enabled complex task solutions. The accuracy of image classification tasks has improved owing to the establishment of convolutional neural networks (CNN). Cellular senescence is a hallmark of ageing and is important for the pathogenesis of ageing-related diseases. Furthermore, it is a potential therapeutic target. Specific molecular markers are used to identify senescent cells. Moreover senescent cells show unique morphology, which can be identified. We develop a successful morphology-based CNN system to identify senescent cells and a quantitative scoring system to evaluate the state of endothelial cells by senescence probability output from pre-trained CNN optimised for the classification of cellular senescence, Deep Learning-Based Senescence Scoring System by Morphology (Deep-SeSMo). Deep-SeSMo correctly evaluates the effects of well-known anti-senescent reagents. We screen for drugs that control cellular senescence using a kinase inhibitor library by Deep-SeSMo-based drug screening and identify four anti-senescent drugs. RNA sequence analysis reveals that these compounds commonly suppress senescent phenotypes through inhibition of the inflammatory response pathway. Thus, morphology-based CNN system can be a powerful tool for anti-senescent drug screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Shape*
  • Cellular Senescence*
  • Deep Learning*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / toxicity
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • beta-Galactosidase