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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Frailty Assessment in an Aging Mouse Model
Published on: September 23, 2025
A mouse model of Werner Syndrome: what can it tell us about aging and cancer?
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Box 11, The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA. schang@mdanderson.org
Abstract:
The molecular mechanisms involved in mammalian aging and the consequent organ dysfunction/degeneration pathologies are not well understood. Studies of progeroid syndromes such as Werner Syndrome have advanced our understanding of how certain genetic pathways can influence the aging process on both cellular and molecular levels. In addition, improper maintenance of telomere length and the consequent cellular responses to dysfunctional telomeres have been proposed to promote replicative senescence that impact upon the onset of premature aging and cancer. Recent studies of the telomerase-Werner double null mouse link telomere dysfunction to accelerated aging and tumorigenesis in the setting of Werner deficiency. This mouse model thus provides a unique genetic platform to explore molecular mechanisms by which telomere dysfunction and loss of WRN gene function leads to the onset of premature aging and cancer.
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