[Telomerase repressor genes].

Genes involved in the senescence program have been mapped to over ten different genetic loci using microcell fusion to introduced human chromosomes and restore the senescence program. Multiple pathways of cellular senescence have also been demonstrated by chromosome transfer, indicating that the functions of the mapped senescence genes are probably difference. Restoration of cellular senescence by chromosome 3p or 10p is associated with repression of telomerase function in human tumor cell lines, and other chromosomes induced cellular senescence without telomerase suppression. This evidence suggests that telomerase suppression and thereby telomere shortening is one of several pathways involved in cellular senescence.