The cellular level of telomere dysfunction determines induction of senescence or apoptosis in vivo

André Lechel, Ande Satyanarayana, Zhenyu Ju, Ruben R. Plentz, Sonja Schaetzlein, Cornelia Rudolph, Ludwig Wilkens, Stephanie U. Wiemann, Gabriele Saretzki, Nisar P. Malek, Michael P. Manns, Jan Buer, K. Lenhard Rudolph

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

Telomere dysfunction induces two types of cellular response: cellular senescence and apoptosis. We analysed the extent to which the cellular level of telomere dysfunction and p53 gene status affect these cellular responses in mouse liver using the experimental system of TRF2 inhibition by a dominant-negative version of the protein (TRF2ΔBΔM). We show that the level of telomere dysfunction correlates with the level of TRF2ΔBΔM protein expression resulting in chromosomal fusions, aberrant mitotic figures and aneuploidy of liver cells. These alterations provoked p53-independent apoptosis, but a strictly p53-dependent senescence response in distinct populations of mouse liver cells depending on the cellular level of TRF2ΔBΔM expression. Apoptosis was associated with higher expression of TRF2ΔBΔM, whereas cellular senescence was associated with low levels of TRF2ΔBΔM expression. Our data provide experimental evidence that induction of senescence or apoptosis in vivo depends on the cellular level of telomere dysfunction and differentially on p53 gene function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)275-281
Number of pages7
JournalEMBO Reports
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Senescence
  • TRF2
  • Telomere
  • Terc
  • p53

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The cellular level of telomere dysfunction determines induction of senescence or apoptosis in vivo'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this