Senescence-like changes induced by hydroxyurea in human diploid fibroblasts

Exp Gerontol. 2000 Aug;35(5):553-71. doi: 10.1016/s0531-5565(00)00108-x.

Abstract

Hydroxyurea was found to inhibit the growth of human diploid fibroblasts, which resulted in senescence-like changes both in morphology and replicative potential similar to the replicative senescence. SA-beta-gal activity, a typical characteristic of the replicative senescence was also induced through a long-term treatment of the presenescent cells with 400-800 microgM of hydroxyurea for about 3 weeks. In addition, we determined the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21(Waf1) and p16(INK4a), and the p53 tumor suppressor in order to monitor its effect on cell cycle and stress responses. We observed a great induction of both p53 and p21(Waf1), but not of p16(INK4a) in the premature senescent cells. UV-irradiation of the premature senescent cells showed a decreased level of DNA fragmentation presumably ascribed to the reduced activation of stress-activated protein kinases. These results suggest that a chronic hydroxyurea treatment induces the cellular senescence in association with the induction of p53 and p21(Waf1).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cellular Senescence / drug effects*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / analysis
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
  • Cyclins / analysis
  • DNA Fragmentation
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / toxicity*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 9
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / analysis

Substances

  • CDKN1A protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
  • Cyclins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 9
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Hydroxyurea