This study aims to identify reliable biomarkers for senescence in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adipose tissue (AD), dental pulp (DP), and the umbilical cord (UMB). Data collection and rigorous preprocessing were followed by sequence alignment using the HISAT2 tool and gene counting with the featureCounts tool. Differential gene expression analysis, Gene set enrichment, network analysis, and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Gene interactions were analysed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, incorporating the CytoHUBBA plugin for network ranking using various centrality measures. The Pathway analysis determined 20 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated genes in senescence pathways. In UMB samples, upregulated genes like PIK3CD and CCND3 (both are members of the AKT pathway), which promoted cellular stress and senescence. AD samples revealed the up-regulated expression from genes such as IGFBP3 and SERPINE1, related to IGF signalling and apoptosis. In DP samples NRAS and MAPK3 assist cell proliferation when they have a mutation it leads them to DNA damage. Downregulation of genes in UMB, being such examples as EIF4EBP1 that interferes with protein translation and cell cycle control thus leading to induced senescence. Downregulation of genes like CALML6 in AD (impairing stress responses) and DP exhibiting reduced expression involving immune function and oxidative stress response such as IL6. The molecular docking interactions of catechin, a known natural wound healing compound against the target proteins displayed good binding affinity with respective targets, especially with NRAS protein which hint towards its satisfactory role managing cellular senescence in MSCs. These findings reveal the important pathways of the senescence process and pinpoints the possible targets for the eradication of cellular age-related issues. This analysis of gene expression information provides valuable insights into the senescence process in different MSC types, paving the way for developing anti-senescence therapies pending further in-vitro validation.
Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cell, cellular senescence, differential gene expression, molecular docking, catechin.
How to cite this article: Shalini U, Punnoose AM, Davis GJD, Prabhakar L, Baskaran V., Identification Of Genetic Biomarkers For Cellular Senescence In Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3s): 433-438; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3s.54