DNA damage

Genome instability

Nucleolus

Model organism

Ribosomal DNA

Ribosome biogenesis

Ribosomal RNA

Biology

Phylogenetics

Gene

Cytoplasm

Computational biology

Cell biology

Genetics

Ribosome

Trends in Biochemical Sciences

The rRNA genes [ribosomal DNA (rDNA)] are organized in a prominent nuclear compartment, the nucleolus. It is now well established that the nucleolus functions beyond ribosome biosynthesis, regulating several physiological cellular responses. The nucleoli constitute dynamic genomic/nuclear hubs and demonstrate unique inherent characteristics, rendering them ideal to sense, signal, and respond to various intrinsic and environmental insults. Here, we discuss emerging findings supporting direct links between rDNA/nucleolar instability and cellular senescence/organismal aging from yeast to mammals.

Ribosomal DNA and the nucleolus at the heart of aging