# MAPK15 controls mitochondrial fitness and contributes to prevent cellular senescence

## TL;DR

The paper shows how the protein MAPK15 helps control mitochondria health, reducing harmful ROS and preventing cells from aging.

## Contribution

The study reveals that MAPK15 regulates mitophagy, preventing ROS accumulation and cellular senescence.

## Key findings

- MAPK15 is involved in controlling the mitophagic process.
- MAPK15 prevents ROS accumulation and DNA damage.
- MAPK15 helps avoid activation of the cellular senescence phenotype.

## Abstract

Aberrant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from dysfunctional mitochondria leads to oxidative stress and DNA damage, which induces the cellular senescence stress response pathway. This, while exerting strong beneficial suppressive effects on the development of cancer, also contributes to aging and different age-related disorders. Mitophagy is a key mechanism to constantly eliminate old and damaged mitochondria, strongly contributing to keep low levels of intracellular ROS. Here, we discuss our recent findings showing the involvement of the atypical MAP kinase family member MAPK15 in controlling the mitophagic process, thereby preventing ROS accumulation, extensive DNA damage and activation of the cellular senescence phenotype.