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Non-coding RNAs and Modulation of Senescent Cell Activity

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but play important regulatory roles in various cellular processes. In recent years, research has shown that ncRNAs can be used to modulate the activity of senescent cells, which are cells that have entered a state of irreversible growth arrest and are associated with aging and age-related diseases.

Definition of Senescent Cells

Senescent cells are cells that have undergone a process called cellular senescence, which is characterized by a permanent state of growth arrest. This state is typically triggered by various stressors, such as DNA damage, telomere shortening, or oncogene activation. Senescent cells are metabolically active but no longer divide or contribute to tissue regeneration. They also exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), secreting various factors that can have detrimental effects on neighboring cells and tissues.

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Role of Non-coding RNAs in Modulating Senescent Cell Activity

Non-coding RNAs have emerged as key players in regulating gene expression and cellular processes, including senescence. They can modulate senescent cell activity through various mechanisms:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs): miRNAs are small ncRNAs that can bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibit their translation or promote their degradation. Several miRNAs have been identified to regulate senescence-associated genes, either promoting or suppressing senescence. For example, miR-34a is upregulated in senescent cells and contributes to the senescence phenotype by inhibiting the expression of anti-senescence factors.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs): lncRNAs are longer ncRNAs that can interact with DNA, RNA, or proteins to regulate gene expression. They have been implicated in various cellular processes, including senescence. For instance, the lncRNA H19 has been found to promote senescence by interacting with the tumor suppressor protein p53 and modulating its activity.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs): circRNAs are a type of ncRNA that form covalently closed loops and have been shown to regulate gene expression. Although their role in senescence is still being explored, recent studies have identified circRNAs that are differentially expressed in senescent cells and may contribute to the senescence phenotype.

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By targeting specific ncRNAs, it is possible to modulate the activity of senescent cells. This opens up new avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of senescent cells in aging and age-related diseases.

Keywords: senescent, senescence, activity, coding, ncrnas, various, cellular, expression, processes