Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer
Published on: April 13, 2015
The Telomere/Telomerase System in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. Cause or Effect?
Vasileios Kordinas1,2, Anastasios Ioannidis3,4, Stylianos Chatzipanagiotou5
1Third Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetes Centre, Saint Panteleimon General Hospital, Nikea-Pireaus 18454, Greece. kordinasv@med.uoa.gr.
Abstract:
Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures located at the end of linear chromosomes and telomerase is the enzyme responsible for telomere elongation. Telomerase activity is a key component of many cancer cells responsible for rapid cell division but it has also been found by many laboratories around the world that telomere/telomerase biology is dysfunctional in many other chronic conditions as well. These conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, a situation mostly overlooked by physicians regarding patient treatment. Among others, these conditions include diabetes, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. Since researchers have in many cases identified the association between telomerase and inflammation but there are still many missing links regarding this correlation, the latest findings about this phenomenon will be discussed by reviewing the literature. Our focus will be describing telomere/telomerase status in chronic diseases under the prism of inflammation, reporting molecular findings where available and proposing possible future approaches.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Telomeres and Telomerase
Telomeres and Telomerase
Inflammation
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

