Smurf2 is an E3 ligase previously identified by our laboratory to be up-regulated by telomere shortening in senescent cells, and is sufficient to induce senescence in early passage human cells. Both the p53 and pRB senescence pathways are utilized by Smurf2 to induce senescence, but the precise mechanism of Smurf2-induced senescence remains unknown. The purpose of this project was to identify genes downstream of Smurf2 in the senescence pathways using a genome-wide short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screen in human fibroblasts. Using this strategy, I have identified 13 potential modulators of Smurf2-induced senescence, including AHCYL1 and CDC42BPA. Preliminary analysis indicates that AHCYL1 regulates senescence via the Smurf2-p53 pathway.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Doughty, Tyler W.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042909-125128

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2009

Sponsor

• UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2009-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright