Tumor suppressors and oncogenes in cellular senescence

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16(INK4a), p21(Cip1), and p27(Kip1) are regarded as key effecters of cellular senescence. In this review, we describe three senescence-inducing pathways involving these inhibitors, namely, the p16(INK4a)/Rb pathway, the p19(ARF)/p53/p21(Cip1) pathway, and the PTEN/p27(Kip1) pathway. We emphasize the participation of tumor suppressors and oncogenes in the regulation of these senescence-inducing pathways. Finally, we discuss the impact of the Ras and Myc oncogenes on the above-mentioned pathways. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.