“PML nucleolar association: What is it and what does it do?”

Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is a multivalent stress response protein that, upon specific genotoxic stress, can organize into a unique structure that encloses nucleolar material, termed the PML-nucleolar association (PNA). PNAs were described in both senescent cells and cells harboring DNA damage. We investigated the origin, dynamics, and signaling pathways leading to PNA formation. Our recent findings suggest that PNAs are involved in ribosomal DNA (rDNA) damage response by sequestration of persistent rDNA lesions and promote cellular senescence. Further analysis of PNA-associated proteins reinforces their involvement in the rDNA damage response. Together, these insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the functional relevance of PNAs in rDNA maintenance and cellular genotoxic stress response.