MAPK15 controls mitochondrial fitness and contributes to prevent cellular senescence

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.