Telomere deprotection induces p53 dependent and independent responses in mouse liver cells in vivo

Telomere dysfunction induces cellular senescence and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Here we analyzed the impact of acute telomere dysfunction on cell viability and senescence in the mouse liver. Adenoviral mediated, transient expression of a dominant negative version of TRF2 (TRF2ΔBΔM) provoked telomere deprotection resulting in chromosomal fusions, aberrant mitotic figures and aneuploidy of liver cells. These alterations provoked apoptosis and senescence (SA-β-galactosidase activity) in distinct populations of mouse liver cells. Apoptosis was associated with high expression of TRF2ΔBΔM and did not co-localize…