Telomerase enzyme in aging and cancer  

作　　者：Cagri Baris Gunec 

机构地区：[1]Sun Yat-sen University,Zhongshan School of Medicine,Guangzhou 510080,China.

出　　处：《Aging Communications》2022年第4期26-29,共4页衰老通讯

摘　　要：Telomerase is an enzyme that maintains the length of telomeres at the ends of chromosomes.Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that keep genetic information intact,enable cells to multiply and provide insight into some of the mysteries of ageing and cancer.Telomerase activity affects ageing and cancer development in humans by preventing telomeres from becoming too short,which can lead to cellular senescence and death.When telomerase is suppressed,cancer cells die,and telomerase inhibitors can be used to kill human breast and prostate cancer cells grown in the laboratory.Studies have also found an association between shorter telomeres,a decreased overall lifespan,and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and infectious illness.Despite research linking telomere shortening to the ageing process,additional research is needed to fully understand the role of telomerase in the ageing process,including whether or not it is the cause of these changes.Other variables,such as oxidative stress,glycation,and inflammation,also contribute to the ageing process and may explain the remaining 33 percent of the variance in the probability of passing away.The authors of this paper discuss the current understanding of telomerase enzyme activity and its effects on ageing and cancer,as well as the implications of telomerase research and the potential for developing innovative drugs and gene therapies.

关 键 词：TELOMERASE ageing CANCER TELOMERES chromosomes DNA OXIDANTS glycation 

分 类 号：R73[医药卫生—肿瘤]