ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the involvement of cell cycle negative regulator p16 in the replicative senescence of normal human diploid fibroblasts. Methods p16 cDNA and retroviral vector was introduced into normal human fibroblast 2BS cells by transfection technique. Then the effects of p16 on replicative cellular senescence of 2BS cells were examined. Results Compared with the control cells, 2BS cells transfected with p16 cDNA showed significant suppression of growth rate (decrease 50%) with cell cycle arrested at G1 phase. This phenomenon similar to that of the senescent cells, with the cellular response to stimulation by growth factor decreased 79.4%, showing the characteristics in morphology of senescent fibroblasts. Conclusions The over expression of p16 gene contributes to the process of cellular senescence of normal human diploid fibroblasts.