Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
The role of telomeres in skin aging/photoaging
1Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118-2394, USA.
Abstract:
Recent work has substantially elucidated the mechanisms of skin aging and photoaging. In particular, a central role for telomere-based signaling can be inferred. Intrinsic aging is largely controlled by progressive telomere shortening, compounded by low grade oxidative damage to telomeres and other cellular constituents, the consequence of aerobic cellular metabolism. In sun exposed skin, UV irradiation also damages DNA and accelerates telomere shortening. Aging and photodamage appear to share a common final pathway that involves signaling through p53 following disruption of the telomere. These telomere-initiated responses, in combination with UV-induced damage to critical regulatory genes, lead to the familiar picture of "photoaging." These and other insights into the molecular basis for skin aging/photoaging may lead to enhanced management options.
Related Concept Videos
Replication in Eukaryotes
Telomeres and Telomerase
Replicative Cell Senescence
Replication in Eukaryotes
Many Proteins Orchestrate Replication at the Origin
Eukaryotic replication follows many of the same...
Telomeres and Telomerase
The Effect of Aging on Tissues

