The DNA damage response and tumorigenesis

In the January 1 issue of G&D, Dr. Gerardo Ferbeyre and colleagues at the University of Montreal report that the DNA damage response pathway is a necessary mediator of oncogene-induced senescence. Using RNAi and a cell culture model of oncogene-induced senescence, the researchers determined that the DNA damage signaling pathways links oncogene expression (either STAT5A, E2F1 or Ras) and cellular senescence. Dr. Ferbeyre expects that "by identifying DNA damage as an early and persistent response to oncogenes, our work has implications for novel research approaches aimed to prevent cancer formation."