The relevance of organelle interactions in cellular senescence

Abstract

Organelles are tiny structures with specific functions in eukaryotic cells. Since they are covered with membranes, different organelles can perform biological processes that are incompatible. Organelles can also actively communicate with each other to maintain cellular homeostasis via the vesicular trafficking pathways and membrane contact sites (MCSs), which allow the exchange of metabolites and other information required for normal cellular physiology. An imbalance in organelle interactions may result in multiple pathological processes. Growing evidence shows that abnormal organelle communication contributes to cellular senescence and is associated with organ aging. However, the key role of organelle interactions in aging has not yet been broadly reviewed and fully investigated. In this review, we summarize the role of organelle interactions in cellular senescence, and highlight their relevance for cellular calcium homeostasis, protein and lipid homeostasis, and mitochondrial quality control. Our review reveals important mechanisms of organelle interactions in cellular senescence and provides important clues for intervention strategies from a new perspective.