A change in chromosomal organization is believed to underlie the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that is associated with cancer and various age-related diseases. According to a new study, this change appears to involve noncoding RNA (ncRNA) derived from pericentromeric repetitive elements. Specifically, this ncRNA impairs the DNA binding of the CCCTC-binding factor. Notably, the ncRNA is transferred into surrounding cells via small extracellular vesicles.