New Preprint describes the role of Rapid-Onset Senescence in the healing process
In our new study, “Transcription-Independent Induction of Rapid-Onset Senescence is Integral to Healing,” authored by Karla Valdivieso, Tomaz Rozmaric et al., we delve into the pivotal role of rapid senescence in the healing process. Collaborating with esteemed institutions including the LBI Trauma, Mayo Clinic, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, our research offers a comprehensive exploration of this intriguing phenomenon.
We discovered, that upon injury, skin cells adjacent to the injury site swiftly enter a senescent state within minutes to hours. This process, triggered independently of transcription, utilizes existing p21 transcripts for an immediate response, as detailed in our forthcoming publication. These rapidly senescent cells, while halted in the cell cycle, actively secrete factors aiding in cell migration and tissue repair. Notably, they vanish upon wound closure through cell-type-specific mechanisms, so that skin after healing is freed from any remnants of cellular senescence.
Our research underscores the indispensable contribution of rapid senescence to efficient wound healing. Inhibiting this process significantly delays wound closure, highlighting its critical role in the healing cascade. Moreover, targeting senescence later in the healing process has minimal impact on wound closure, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of senescence-mediated responses.
Overall, these results suggest that skin is “prepared” for a possibility of an injury by storing p21 mRNA. This preparedness allows skin to almost immediately respond to an injury by inducing cellular senescence that aids it in early stages of healing.
As we anticipate the publication of our paper, a sneak peek is available via SSRN, offering a glimpse into the insights garnered from our collaborative efforts. We extend our gratitude to all coauthors and collaborators for their invaluable input and stimulating discussions.