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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Induction and Validation of Cellular Senescence in Primary Human Cells
Published on: June 20, 2018
Early BrdU-responsive genes constitute a novel class of senescence-associated genes in human cells
Sachi Minagawa1, Kazuhiko Nakabayashi, Michihiko Fujii
1Kihara Institute for Biological Research and Graduate School of Integrated Science, Yokohama City University, Maioka-cho 641-12, Yokohama 244-0813, Japan.
Abstract:
We identified genes that immediately respond to 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in SUSM-1, an immortal fibroblastic line, with DNA microarray and Northern blot analysis. At least 29 genes were found to alter gene expression greater than twice more or less than controls within 36 h after addition of BrdU. They took several different expression patterns upon addition of BrdU, and the majority showed a significant alteration within 12 h. When compared among SUSM-1, HeLa, and TIG-7 normal human fibroblasts, 19 genes behaved similarly upon addition of BrdU. In addition, 14 genes, 9 of which are novel as regards senescence, behaved similarly in senescent TIG-7 cells. The genes do not seem to have a role in proliferation or cell cycle progression. These results suggest that the early BrdU-responsive genes represent early signs of cellular senescence and can be its new biomarkers.
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