Four faces of cellular senescence

F Rodier, J Campisi - Journal of Cell Biology, 2011 - rupress.org
F Rodier, J Campisi
Journal of Cell Biology, 2011rupress.org
Cellular senescence is an important mechanism for preventing the proliferation of potential
cancer cells. Recently, however, it has become apparent that this process entails more than
a simple cessation of cell growth. In addition to suppressing tumorigenesis, cellular
senescence might also promote tissue repair and fuel inflammation associated with aging
and cancer progression. Thus, cellular senescence might participate in four complex
biological processes (tumor suppression, tumor promotion, aging, and tissue repair), some …
Cellular senescence is an important mechanism for preventing the proliferation of potential cancer cells. Recently, however, it has become apparent that this process entails more than a simple cessation of cell growth. In addition to suppressing tumorigenesis, cellular senescence might also promote tissue repair and fuel inflammation associated with aging and cancer progression. Thus, cellular senescence might participate in four complex biological processes (tumor suppression, tumor promotion, aging, and tissue repair), some of which have apparently opposing effects. The challenge now is to understand the senescence response well enough to harness its benefits while suppressing its drawbacks.
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