G-quadruplexes stabilization upregulates CCN1 and accelerates aging in cultured cerebral endothelial cells

Our study proposes that the stabilization of a non-canonical secondary structure of DNA and RNA (G-quadruplexes) in aging contributes to brain vasculature senescence by regulating the levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors such as the extracellular matrix protein cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61/CCN1). Therefore, developing G4 motif-based molecules to target CCN1 and other senescence-inducing factors should be explored as an approach to reverse or mitigate senescence in the cerebrovasculature.