Increased chromatin accessibility underpins senescence

Senescence is a cellular state induced by various stressors or extracellular signals, but a universal pathway that triggers this process irrespective of the initial stressor has yet to be identified. Recent data indicate that chromatin opening, particularly in the noncoding genome, is a hallmark of cellular senescence. We propose a model in which this increased chromatin accessibility mediated by transcription factors downstream of the senescence-inducing stressors acts as a decisive factor to commit cells toward the senescence fate. Engagement toward senescence is then determined by the balance between mechanisms that increase or decrease chromatin accessibility and can be influenced by modulating the activity of specific histone-modifying complexes. Traits of senescent cells, such as increased nuclear and nucleolar size, the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced rRNA biogenesis, telomere dysfunction, expression of retrotransposons and endogenous retroviruses, as well as DNA damage, can all be attributed to increased chromatin accessibility. This concept suggests potential targets to tilt the balance toward the senescence response in the context of future therapies against cancer and age-related diseases.