Cellular Senescence: Mechanisms and Implications

This lecture covers the mechanisms of cellular senescence induced by inappropriate mitogenic signals, DNA damage, and oncogenes. It explains how the activation of pro-proliferative pathways can lead to cell senescence instead of proliferation, involving key players such as p53, Rb, and CDK inhibitors. The lecture also delves into the role of the CDKN2A and CDKN2B loci in regulating cell cycle progression and DNA damage response. Additionally, it discusses the significance of telomerase expression in maintaining telomere length and preventing chromosomal abnormalities. The implications of replicative senescence and oncogene-induced senescence in limiting cell divisions and preventing cancer are also explored.