XSenescence is a developmental mechanism that contributes to embryonic growth and patterning

Mekayla Storer, Alba Mas, Alexandre Robert-Moreno, Matteo Pecoraro, M. Carmen Ortells, Valeria Di Giacomo, Reut Yosef, Noam Pilpel, Valery Krizhanovsky, James Sharpe, William M. Keyes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Senescence is a form of cell-cycle arrest linked to tumor suppression and aging. However, it remains controversial and has not been documented in nonpathologic states. Here we describe senescence as a normal developmental mechanism found throughout the embryo, including the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and the neural roof plate, two signaling centers in embryonic patterning. Embryonic senescent cells are nonproliferative and share features with oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), including expression of p21, p15, and mediators of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Interestingly, mice deficient in p21 have defects in embryonic senescence, AER maintenance, and patterning. Surprisingly, the underlying mesenchyme was identified as a source for senescence instruction in the AER, whereas the ultimate fate of these senescent cells is apoptosis and macrophage-mediated clearance. We propose that senescence is a normal programmed mechanism that plays instructive roles in development, and that OIS is an evolutionarily adapted reactivation of a developmental process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1119
Number of pages1
JournalCell
Volume155
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 Nov 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

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