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Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
Published on: May 1, 2017
Emerging Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Senescence
Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard1, Tayyebeh Khoshbakht2, Bashdar Mahmud Hussen3,4
1Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Senescence is defined as a gradual weakening of functional features of a living organism. Cellular senescence is a process that is principally aimed to remove undesirable cells by prompting tissue remodeling. This process is also regarded as a defense mechanism induced by cellular damage. In the course of oncogenesis, senescence can limit tumor progression. However, senescence participates in the pathoetiology of several disorders such as fibrotic disorders, vascular disorders, diabetes, renal disorders and sarcopenia. Recent studies have revealed contribution of different classes of non-coding RNAs in the cellular senescence. Long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and circular RNAs are three classes of these transcripts whose contributions in this process have been more investigated. In the current review, we summarize the available literature on the impact of these transcripts in the cellular senescence.
Insights
Cellular senescence, a defense mechanism, can limit tumors but also contributes to diseases. Non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, play significant roles in this process.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest.
- It acts as a tumor suppressor mechanism and a response to cellular damage.
- Dysregulation of senescence is implicated in aging and various diseases, including fibrosis, diabetes, and sarcopenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on the role of non-coding RNAs in cellular senescence.
- To highlight the involvement of long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs in senescence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on non-coding RNAs and cellular senescence.
- Analysis of the impact of different non-coding RNA classes on senescence pathways.
Main Results:
- Non-coding RNAs, including lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles in cellular senescence.
- These molecules influence senescence induction, maintenance, and functional outcomes.
- Specific non-coding RNAs have been linked to both protective and detrimental aspects of senescence in disease.
Conclusions:
- Non-coding RNAs are critical regulators of cellular senescence.
- Targeting these non-coding RNAs presents potential therapeutic strategies for senescence-associated diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex roles of non-coding RNAs in senescence.
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