The group studies molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts, melanocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and other cell types. We investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both from mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial sources, in senescence and aging, and are interested in the role of proteostasis and mitochondrial quality control in cellular senescence and extrinsic skin aging. In addition, we are interested in the role of mitochondrial proteins as regulators of senescence and in age-associated metabolic dysregulation. In particular, we analyze the role of mammalian FAHD1, the first oxaloacetate decarboxylase identified in eukaryotes, in healthy aging and tissue homeostasis. We also investigate the relationship between cellular senescence and age-associated dysfunctions and diseases, such as skin aging and cardiovascular diseases. Specific topics include the role of various stress signals on cellular aging and age-associated pathologies of human tissues. More recent work focusses on the role of inter tissue communication in skin homeostasis, aging and disease, trying to understand how signals mediated by soluble SASP components and extracellular vesicles and released from the dermis instruct alterations in the epidermal compartment