RNA identified that regulates metabolism in senescent cells

Scientists at the UniversityCima Navarra have identified an RNA that plays a core topic role in metabolic regulation during cellular senescence. The study opens new avenues for therapies against cancer and aging.

Senescence is a process in which cells stop dividing when faced with different types of stress, such as chemotherapy treatments, DNA damage or telomere shortening, among others. These damaged cells are still active and can participate in different processes such as tumor progression or aging, so it is essential to know their regulatory mechanisms.

"At Cima we have identified a long non-coding RNA (called sin-lncRNA) that is specifically activated in different types of senescence, such as that induced by the expression of oncogenes or by chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin. In this study we have delved into its mechanisms and confirmed that when we silence it, changes occur in the expression of genes related to energy metabolism," explain Drs. Maite Huarte y Marta Montesresearchers from the Division of DNA and RNA Medicine at the Cima and co-directors of the work.

Implication in ovarian cancer

According to the authors, these findings have important implications in the context of cancer. "We have shown that inhibition of this RNA in ovarian cancer cells decreases oxygen consumption, which sensitizes the cells to cisplatin treatment. Therefore, our study suggests that sin-lncRNA could be a target for improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy." The results have been published in the latest issue of the scientific journal Cell Reports.

This work provides evidence that sin-lncRNA is a specific regulator of metabolic balance in senescent cells. Furthermore, it opens new perspectives for the development of strategies that combine the induction of senescence with the elimination of senescent cells, especially in the treatment of cancer and in the study of aging.

"Our results contribute to a better understanding of how senescent cells, despite their lower proliferative potential, maintain an active metabolic activity adapted to their state. They also highlight the fundamental role of lncRNAs in the regulation of complex cellular processes," conclude the Cima scientists.

The work has received public funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Commission (through Marie Curie grants), as well as support from Worldwide Cancer Research, the Spanish association Against Cancerfinancial aid Proyectos Generales AECC 2024) and the 'la Caixa' Foundation.