The Role of Senescent Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment: Genomic and Epigenetic Mechanisms

Cellular senescence—characterized by stable cell cycle arrest and the acquisition of a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype (SASP)—has emerged as a crucial player in both aging and cancer. Within the tumor microenvironment, senescent cells exert complex, context-dependent effects on tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, profoundly reshaping tissue architecture and intercellular communication through secreted factors and interactions with stromal and immune cells.Recent advances in genomics and epigenomics are beginning to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which senescent cells influence the tumor microenvironment. Key areas of interest include transcriptional regulation, non-coding RNA networks, chromatin remodeling, and immunogenomic crosstalk. Understanding these processes offers new opportunities for developing therapeutic strategies that target senescence-associated pathways and their tumor-promoting or -suppressive effects.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and welcomes submissions focusing on:Genomic and epigenomic regulation of cellular senescence within the tumor microenvironmentThe impact of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) on tumor biology and therapy responseCrosstalk between senescent cells and immune populations, including roles in cancer immunoevasion and inflammationThe functions of non-coding RNAs and chromatin remodeling in mediating senescence and shaping tumor evolutionMechanisms underlying therapy-induced senescence and potential avenues for therapeutic interventionInnovative therapeutic approaches targeting senescent cells or their molecular signaling axesWe welcome original research, review articles, and perspectives spanning basic, translational, and clinical studies at the intersection of aging, senescence, cancer biology, and omics-driven approaches. By highlighting the genomic and epigenetic complexity of senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment, this collection aims to foster discussion and inspire new directions for research at the intersection of aging and cancer. Topic editors: Jiaxi Yao, Xiaojuan He, Jingwei Kong Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/74571/the-role-of-senescent-cells-in-the-tumor-microenvironment-genomic-and-epigenetic-mechanisms