DDX39a and Cellular Senescence

National Institute On Aging

Investigators

Abstract

RNA helicases are a class of enzymes crucial for RNA metabolism, functioning to unwind RNA structures and facilitate processes such as transcription, splicing, and translation. These proteins have been implicated in multiple biological functions and pathological conditions. Despite their established importance, the specific roles of RNA helicases in the context of cellular senescence and aging remain largely unexplored. This gap in our understanding presents a significant opportunity for research that could potentially uncover novel mechanisms underlying the aging process and age-related pathologies. We hypothesize that the RNA helicase DDX39A plays a crucial role in preventing cellular senescence by regulating specific hallmarks of senescence, modulating the transcriptome, and influencing epigenetic modifications.