Telomeres and Telomerase
The 'caps' on chromosomes that shorten with each cell division
Definition
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG in humans) that protect the ends of chromosomes, like the plastic tips on shoelaces. With each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly because DNA polymerase cannot replicate the 3' end. When they reach a critical length, the cell enters senescence or apoptosis. Telomerase is the enzyme that can lengthen telomeres, active primarily in germ and stem cells but nearly inactive in adult somatic cells.
Detailed explanation
Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009 for the discovery of telomeres and telomerase. Telomere length is a marker of biological ageing: individuals with shorter telomeres for their age have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall mortality.
In longevity, several studies show it is possible to halt and even reverse telomere shortening:
- HBOT (60 sessions, Shamir 2020): 20–38% lengthening in T-cell leukocytes - Epithalon (pineal gland peptide): increases telomerase activity in lymphocytes - Meditation and stress management: Blackburn's research shows that chronic cortisol accelerates shortening - Aerobic exercise: meta-analysis shows longer telomeres in veteran athletes vs sedentary individuals
Telomere measurement is performed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) or FISH hybridisation, expressed as relative length (T/S ratio). Companies such as LifeLength (Spain) and TeloYears offer this analysis.
Scientific sources
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