fig1

Figure 1. Graphic summary showing that in the aging heart, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) become dysfunctional. The level of microRNA (miR)-145 is reduced in senescent ECs, resulting in increased semaphorin 3A (Sema3a) levels and upregulation of other neurorepelling factors such as Slit3 and Netrin-1. These factors reduce neuronal axon density, promote axon degeneration, and increase the susceptibility to cardiac arrythmias. On the other hand, senolytics can counteract cardiac EC senescence, reduce autonomic instability, and decrease ventricular tachycardia inducibility in mice.