DNA damage and senescence-associated inflammation in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

DNA suffers various types of damage even in a normal condition, although they are rapidly repaired by mechanisms called DNA repair. Most progeroid syndromes are caused by genetic defects in specific molecules involved in the DNA repair. DNA damage activates a broad range of signaling pathway that leads to repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and so on, which is called DNA damage response. Recent studies revealed that persistent DNA damage response triggers induction of cell senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which SASP components are regulated, and discuss the possible roles of DNA damage and the DNA damage response, and SASP in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.