08 Mar Why Cells Fall Apart: Protein Regulates Cell Aging
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ana O’Loghlen
Ana O’Loghlen
Group Leader Epigenetics & Cellular Senescence
Blizard Institute
Queen Mary University of London
London
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The activation of senescence is an important cellular response to a stress signal. The senescent cell stops proliferating and this avoid that damaged cells propagate in our body, creating tissue damage.
Our study has found a particular protein, integrin beta 3 subunit, regulating this cellular phenotype, senescence. We have further provided details of the mechanism of how this integrin does this. We have found that the activation of the TGF beta pathway is important for integrin beta 3 to induce senescence and that this integrin is regulated by epigenetically by the polycomb protein CBX7. Interestingly, although we have not provided functional studies, we find that integrin beta 3 is highly expressed during aging in human and mouse.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: This study highlights the importance of cellular adhesion and integrin signalling during the activation of senescence.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: I think it would be extremely interesting to determine whether integrin beta 3 plays a role in aging in vivo. Although we do see a correlation between the levels of expression if integrin beta 3 and ageing, we would need functional studies to confirm whether the integrin beta3 actually regulates ageing.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: There are no relevant disclosures. We would like to thank our funding bodies for supporting this study.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Integrin Beta 3 Regulates Cellular Senescence by Activating the TGF-β Pathway
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com
[wysija_form id=”5″]
Last Updated on March 8, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD