[Senescence and cellular immortality]

C Trentesaux1, J-F Riou

  • 1Structure des acides nucléiques, télomères et évolution, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, Inserm U565, CNRS UMR 7196, 75005 Paris, France.

Bulletin Du Cancer
|November 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cellular senescence, a state of limited cell growth, acts as an anticancer barrier by preventing tumor progression. Therapies can potentially restore senescence in tumors, offering a new anticancer strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular genetics

Background:

  • Cellular senescence is characterized by limited cell proliferation.
  • Senescence can be triggered by telomere erosion, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and oncogene/tumor suppressor gene modulation.
  • Senescence functions as an anticancer mechanism, observed in pre-malignant stages but absent in malignant tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of cellular senescence as an anticancer barrier.
  • To investigate the potential of inducing senescence as a therapeutic strategy against cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cellular senescence.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms triggering senescence.
  • Examination of the role of senescence in tumor progression and chemotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Senescence limits cell proliferation, acting as a barrier against tumor development.
  • Standard chemotherapy agents can induce senescence, contributing to their therapeutic effects.
  • Malignant tumors often lose senescence, indicating its suppressive role.

Conclusions:

  • Cellular senescence is a crucial anticancer mechanism.
  • Targeted therapies can potentially restore senescence in tumors by inducing telomere dysfunction or reactivating suppressor genes.
  • Restoring senescence presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...