Cell senescence markers - (Jul/18/2001 )

I'm after a good marker of cell senescence, anyone got any ideas? We've thought of senescence associated beta-gal and also lipofuscin, but not tried them yet. Does anyone use any others? We're hoping to check for senescence amongst a living culture rather than killing the cells off.

Thanks,Richard

There is relatively few senescence markers asides from the two that you mentioned. The beta-galactosidase at pH6 is the accepted senescence marker in fibroblasts and is relatively easy to perform. There are established gerontogenes: p21, fibronectin, SGP-1/ApoJ, and SM22. Upregulation of these genes by northern or RT have been described as markers. I have not seen fibronectin assayed by in situ staining.