Studies on the molecular-genetic basis of replicative senescence in Werner syndrome and normal fibroblasts

Based on evidence that human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) from the Werner syndrome (WS) of premature aging might overexpress an inhibitor of DNA synthesis (IDS), we prepared a eukaryotic cDNA expression library from WS mRNA and tested it for IDS activity in a transient assay. Two of six WS cDNA pools tested gave IDS activity, then on plus/minus screening revealed several differentially expressed cDNA clones. By slot blot and Northern analysis, one cDNA clone was found to be overexpressed in WS and normal senescent HDF, but not in quiescent normal HDF, indicating that it is senescence-specific. Further studies are needed to clarify: a) whether this cDNA truly acts as an IDS; b) if so, whether it acts alone or in concert with other cDNAs; and c) whether it is involved in the degenerative and malignant sequelae of WS and normal aging.