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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Simultaneous Imaging and Flow-Cytometry-based Detection of Multiple Fluorescent Senescence Markers in Therapy-Induced Senescent Cancer Cells
Published on: July 12, 2022
DNA damage response manages cell cycle restriction of senile multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells
Lin Yao1,2, Fanyuan Yu1,2, Yining Xu1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) are promising to treat a variety of traumatic and degenerative diseases. However, in vitro-passage aging induces cell cycle arrest and a series of genetic and biological changes, which greatly limits ex vivo cell number expansion and further clinical application of MMSCs. In most cases, DNA damage and DNA damage response (DDR) act as the main cause and executor of cellular senescence respectively. Mechanistically, DNA damage signals induce cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair via DDR. If the DNA damage is indelible, MMSCs would entry into a permanent cell cycle arrest. It should be noted that apart from DDR signaling, certain proliferation or metabolism pathways are also occupied in DNA damage related cell cycle arrest. New findings of these aspects will also be summarized in this study. In summary, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of DDR associated cell cycle regulation and other major molecular signaling in the senescence of MMSCs. Above knowledge could contribute to improve the limited capacity of in vitro expansion of MMSCs, and then promote their clinical applications.
Insights
Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) undergo senescence due to DNA damage and the DNA damage response (DDR), limiting their clinical use. Understanding DDR and related pathways can improve MMSC expansion for therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) show therapeutic potential for degenerative and traumatic diseases.
- In vitro expansion of MMSCs is hindered by passage-induced aging, leading to cell cycle arrest and genetic alterations.
- Cellular senescence in MMSCs is primarily driven by DNA damage and executed by the DNA damage response (DDR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the mechanisms of DNA damage response (DDR) associated cell cycle regulation in MMSC senescence.
- To summarize new findings on proliferation and metabolism pathways involved in DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest.
- To provide insights for improving the in vitro expansion capacity of MMSCs for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on MMSC senescence.
- Analysis of molecular signaling pathways involved in DNA damage and cell cycle arrest.
- Identification of key genetic and biological changes during MMSC aging.
Main Results:
- DNA damage is a primary cause of MMSC senescence, with DDR acting as the main executor.
- Indelible DNA damage triggers permanent cell cycle arrest in MMSCs.
- Proliferation and metabolism pathways are also implicated in DNA damage-related cell cycle arrest.
Conclusions:
- Understanding DDR and associated pathways is crucial for overcoming MMSC senescence.
- This knowledge can enhance ex vivo expansion of MMSCs, promoting their clinical utility.
- Targeting DDR and related signaling may improve the therapeutic efficacy of MMSCs.
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DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
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