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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
Chromosome end maintenance by telomerase.
Jennifer L Osterhage1, Katherine L Friedman2
1From the Department of Biology, Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana 47243.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|March 17, 2009
Summary
Telomeres protect chromosome ends and are maintained by telomerase. Dysfunctional telomeres contribute to aging and cancer, highlighting telomerase
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Telomeres are crucial protein-DNA complexes capping eukaryotic chromosomes, essential for maintaining genome stability.
- Improper telomere function is linked to aging and cancer development.
- Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, maintains repetitive telomeric sequences through elongation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of telomerase structure, function, and regulation.
- To elucidate the role of telomerase in human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of telomerase research.
- Analysis of telomere maintenance mechanisms.
- Exploration of telomerase's involvement in disease pathology.
Main Results:
- Telomere elongation is a complex process regulated by holoenzyme assembly, recruitment, and accessibility.
- Telomerase comprises a reverse transcriptase subunit, template RNA, and accessory factors.
- Dysregulation of telomerase activity is implicated in various human pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding telomerase is key to addressing age-related diseases and cancer.
- Telomerase structure and regulation offer potential therapeutic targets.
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