Abstract
According to the "free radical theory" of aging, normal aging occurs as the result of tissue damages inflicted by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are known to induce cellular senescence, and senescent cells are believed to contribute to organismal aging. The molecular mechanisms that mediate the cellular response to oxidants remain to be fully identified. We have shown that oxidative stress induces cellular senescence through activation of the caveolin-1 promoter and upregulation of caveolin-1 protein expression. Here, we describe how reactive oxygen species activate the caveolin-1 promoter and how the signaling may be assayed. These approaches provide insight into the functional role of caveolin-1 and potentially allow the identification of novel ROS-regulated genes that are part of the signaling machinery regulating cellular senescence/aging.