Malleability of Short Telomeres by Telomerase Activators: A Mini-review

Most human cells lack sufficient telomerase to maintain telomeres; hence they shorten with each cellular division leading to organismal aging and disabling age-related diseases susceptibility. Genetic studies in mice demonstrated that short telomeres rather than average telomere length are associated with most age-related diseases and that rescue of short telomeres by telomerase is sufficient to restore cell and tissues viability. Novel findings in telomerase activation suggested its role as a new therapeutic strategy to prevent or at least retard cellular senescence and organismal decline, potentially impacting on human health.

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