Time-resolved multiomics profiling reveals chromatin O-GlcNAc modification promotes senescence-associated transcriptional program.

Abstract

O-GlcNAc modification is a key cellular signal, but its role in regulating senescence-associated transcription remains poorly understood. Here, we apply a time-resolved chemical genomics strategy to map dynamic O-GlcNAc chromatin-associated proteins (OCPs) during oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) in primary human fibroblasts. Chromatin O-GlcNAc modification continues to accumulate, while 1,987 senescence-associated OCPs undergo dynamic shifts in genomic occupancy across diverse epigenetic chromatin states and display bimodal regulatory activities within the 3,466-gene senescence transcriptome. O-GlcNAc facilitates the formation of dual-function complexes: TF-SWI/SNF activates senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) genes at promoters, whereas NuRD enforces the repression of cell-cycle regulators at enhancers. Furthermore, we identify O-GlcNAc modified JUN and GATAD2A as key regulators of OIS phenotypes in both in vitro and in vivo models of senescence-driven tumorigenesis. These findings reveal dynamic regulation and chromatin organization principles of O-GlcNAc-related epigenetic factors, providing insights into cellular senescence and potential therapeutic strategies.