(+)-Discodermolide is able to induce the senescence phenotype. (+)-Discodermolide treated Hela, MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, and A549 cells exhibited moderated to high levels of β-galactosidase activity in all four cell lines. The β-galactosidase activity is one of the hallmarks of senescence. Other common features include a cessation of proliferation and an increased cytoplasmic area.  (+)-Discodermolide also induced up-regulation and activation in three proteins (p66Shc, Erk1, and Erk2).