Mammalian autophagy degrades nuclear constituents in response to tumorigenic stress.

During autophagy, double-membrane autophagosomes are observed in the cytoplasm. Thus, extensive studies have focused on autophagic turnover of cytoplasmic material. Whether autophagy has a role in degrading nuclear constituents is poorly understood.

Autophagy mediates degradation of nuclear lamina.

Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is a catabolic membrane trafficking process that degrades a variety of cellular constituents and is associated with human diseases. Although extensive studies have focused on autophagic turnover of cytoplasmic materials, little is known about the role of autophagy in degrading nuclear components. Here we report that the autophagy machinery mediates degradation of nuclear lamina components in mammals.

A damage limitation exercise.

Cellular senescence is a potent tumour suppressor mechanism that is often accompanied by activation of dna damage response (DDR) signalling and marked heterochromatinization. Senescence-associated heterochromatin is now shown to limit DDR, thus reducing apoptosis and promoting survival of senescent cells.