This challenge targets the hypothesis: **p16^INK4a-CCF Axis as Senolytic Timing Biomarker** **Hypothesis Summary:** **Molecular Mechanism and Rationale** The p16^INK4a-CCF axis represents a sophisticated temporal biomarker system that exploits the sequential molecular events occurring during cellular senescence initiation and maintenance. At the molecular level, this mechanism begins with the activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) gene, which encodes p16^INK4a protein. Upon cellular stress, DNA damage, or oncogene activation, p16^INK4a expression increases dramatically, functioning a **Falsifiable Predictions:** 1. Pharmacological modulation of CDKN2A will alter molecular biology markers in validated models by ≥20% 2. Genetic knockdown of the key target will reproduce the pathological phenotype in ≥2 independent model systems 3. Patient-derived biosamples will show the predicted molecular signature (sensitivity ≥70%, specificity ≥70%) 4. Mechanistic intervention at the proposed node will rescue neuronal viability in vitro by ≥30% **Bounty Tier:** $125,534 USD (composite score 0.755) **Challenge Type:** Open — any team may submit experimental evidence supporting or refuting this hypothesis **Success Criteria:** Peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating mechanistic validation of ≥2 of the 4 predictions, with independent replication.