Genomic Instability and Cellular Senescence: Lessons From the Budding Yeast

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Aging is a complex process involving progressive biomolecular damage and cellular dysfunction.
• Cellular senescence, a state of permanent cell-cycle arrest, is a significant contributor to aging.
• Nucleic acid damage and genetic alterations can trigger cellular senescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms governing telomere length homeostasis.
• To summarize the processes maintaining ribosomal DNA stability.
• To elucidate the links between these mechanisms, cellular senescence, and longevity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms.
• Analysis of studies on telomere length regulation.
• Examination of research on ribosomal DNA stability and its impact on senescence.
• Utilizing budding yeast as a model organism for insights into aging pathways.

Main Results:

• Telomere erosion and ribosomal DNA instability are identified as triggers for cellular senescence.
• Mechanisms regulating telomere length and rDNA stability are crucial for cellular function.
• Budding yeast provides valuable models for understanding conserved aging processes.

Conclusions:

• Telomere homeostasis and ribosomal DNA stability are critical regulators of cellular senescence.
• Dysregulation of these mechanisms contributes to the aging process.
• Insights from yeast models offer a foundation for understanding aging and longevity in other organisms.