Advances in AP2A1 and its role in cellular senescence: a brief review

Cellular senescence is a state in which cells lose their ability to divide and enter dormancy, contributing to the development of various diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. AP2A1, a subunit of the AP-2 protein adaptor complex, traditionally associated with clathrin-mediated endocytosis, has recently been identified as a modulator of cellular senescence. This review explores the relationship between the AP2A1 protein and cellular senescence, highlighting its potential role in ageing. A recent study indicates that AP2A1 regulates the organisation of actin stress fibres, impacting cell morphology and adhesion. Decreased AP2A1 reverses senescent characteristics, while its overexpression induces senescence in young cells, suggesting that this protein may be a marker and therapeutic target for ageing. This discovery opens new perspectives for understanding the cellular mechanisms of ageing and for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating cellular senescence, with a potential impact on improving quality of life and treating age-related diseases.