Mitochondria strike two hits to drive the SASP.

Mitochondrial citrate metabolism drives inflammation independently of mitochondrial DNA signaling but amplifies the inflammatory response in senescent cells.

• Why it matters: Senescent cells' inflammatory signature impacts tissue function and disease, but the mechanisms behind this inflammation are not fully understood, limiting potential interventions.
• What they did: Martini et al. examined mitochondrial citrate metabolism and found it promotes inflammation through a pathway separate from mitochondrial DNA-driven immune signaling, yet works together with it to enhance inflammation.
• The result: This discovery suggests targeting mitochondrial citrate metabolism could modulate the inflammatory response in senescent cells, potentially influencing tissue health and disease outcomes.