Identification and characterization of novel LncRNA LncEPCAM2 in Senescence

National Institute On Aging

Investigators

Abstract

The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cellular senescence remains an area of intense research. LncEPCAM2 has emerged as a key candidate, showing significant upregulation across multiple senescence models. Knockdown of LncEPCAM2 led to significant death of senescent cells, but not proliferating cells. Current efforts focus on identifying the specific molecular targets of LncEPCAM2, with RNA sequencing revealing over 200 differentially expressed RNAs encoding proteins with involvement in DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and cytokine signaling pathways. These findings suggest that LncEPCAM2 plays an essential role in regulating senescent cell survival and that deeper understanding of LncEPCAM2 can help uncover key molecular mechanisms that can be targeted in senotherapies.