Mesothelial cell (MC) senescence contributes to malignancy and tissue fibrosis. The
role of telomere erosion in MC senescence remains controversial, with evidence for
both telomere-dependent and telomere-independent mechanisms reported. Single
telomere length analysis revealed considerable telomere length heterogeneity in
freshly isolated human peritoneal MCs, reflecting a heterogeneous proliferative history
and providing high-resolution evidence for telomere-dependent senescence. By
contrast the attenuated replicative lifespan, lack of telomere erosion and induction of
p16 expression in in vitro-aged cells was consistent with stress-induced senescence.
Given the potential pathophysiological impact of senescence in mesothelial tissues,
high-resolution MC telomere length analysis may provide clinically useful information
