Loss of DLK expression in WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts induces a senescent-like proliferation arrest

► Role of DLK in cell proliferation. ► Modulation of DLK expression during cell cycle progression. ► DLK knockdown induces proliferation arrest and senescence. ► DLK-depleted cells display loss of cyclin D1 and up-regulation of p21. ► DLK participates in cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle regulator expression.