Regulation of cellular senescence by retinoid X receptors and their partners

Abstract Cellular senescence is a response characterized by a stable cell proliferation arrest and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) which can be induced by many stresses, including telomere shortening and oncogene activation. Senescence is crucially involved in a variety of physiopathological contexts, such as cancer and aging. Given the fundamental role of this process, senescence needs to be tightly regulated. In the last decade, the key implication of nuclear receptors in cellular senescence has emerged. Here we will review the mechanisms involved in the control of cellular senescence by retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and their partners. We will also present our current knowledge on the regulation of these receptors during senescence and on their potential role in senescence-associated physiopathological conditions.