Genome-wide sequencing identified extrachromosomal circular DNA as a transcription factor-binding motif of the senescence genes that govern replicative senescence in human mesenchymal stem cells

These findings are highly significant for identifying biomarkers of senescence and therapeutic targets in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for future clinical applications. The potential of eccDNA as a stable therapeutic target for senescence-related disorders warrants further investigation, particularly exploring chemically synthesized eccDNAs as transcription factor regulatory elements to reverse cellular senescence.

Here we explored eccDNA profiles in human bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs). EccDNA and mRNA was purified and sequenced, followed by quantification and functional annotation. Moreover, we mapped our datasets with the downloading enhancer and transcription factor-regulated genes to explore the potential role of eccDNAs.

Sequentially, gene annotation analysis revealed that the majority of eccDNA were mapped in the intron regions with limited BM-MSC enhancer overlaps. We discovered that these eccDNA motifs in senescent BMSCs acted as motifs for binding transcription factors (TFs) of senescence-related genes.