No abstract

After a finite doubling number, normal cells become senescent, i.e., nonproliferating and apoptosis resistant. Because Rel/nuclear factor (NF)-B transcription factors regulate both proliferation and apoptosis, we have investigated their involvement in senescence. cRel overexpression in young normal keratinocytes results in premature senescence, as defined by proliferation blockage, apoptosis resistance, enlargement, and appearance of senescence-associated ␤-galactosidase (SA-␤-Gal) activity.

In a previous study we described the expression of the H19 gene by in situ hybridization (