PURPL bidirectionally controls senescence: depletion rejuvenates fibroblasts while overexpression accelerates aging [RNA-Seq2]

ellular senescence is a fundamental driver of aging and age-related diseases, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerging as critical regulators of this process. Here, we identify PURPL as a bidirectional modulator of senescence in human fibroblasts. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis of replicative and doxorubicin-induced senescence models, we discovered PURPL as the most significantly upregulated lncRNA common to both systems. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-mediated PURPL depletion in senescent cells reversed hallmark aging phenotypes, including restoration of LMNB1 expression, suppression of p21, and reduced SA-β-gal activity. Conversely, PURPL overexpression in young fibroblasts recapitulated senescence signatures, inducing extracellular matrix reorganization and cell cycle arrest pathways. RNA-seq revealed PURPL overexpression dysregulated 1,633 genes, mirroring natural aging transcriptomes. These opposing effects establish PURPL as a central regulator of cellular senescence, suggesting its therapeutic potential for age-related conditions. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into lncRNA-mediated senescence control and highlight PURPL as a novel target for aging intervention strategies.