¹Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK

Correspondence: Dr M Narita, E-mail: masashi.narita@cancer.org.uk

Received 19 October 2006; Revised 16 January 2007; Accepted 22 January 2007; Published online 20 February 2007.

Abstract

Despite the potential importance of senescence in tumour suppression, its effector mechanism is poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that alterations in the chromatin environment might add an additional layer of stability to the phenotype. In this review, recent discoveries on the interplay between senescence and chromatin biology are overviewed.