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Related Concept Videos

Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

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In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded...
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Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

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Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds...
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Replication in Eukaryotes01:29

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In eukaryotic cells, DNA replication is highly conserved and tightly regulated. Multiple linear chromosomes must be duplicated with high fidelity before cell division, so there are many proteins that fulfill specialized roles in the replication process. Replication occurs in three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination, and ends with two complete sets of chromosomes in the nucleus.
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Replication in Eukaryotes02:31

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The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
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Erythrocyte Count, Anemia, and the Human Natural Lifespan Limit: Evidence from the Long Life Family Study.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
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Quantile regression of the relationship between demographic factors and leukocyte telomere length, measured by Southern blot and qPCR.

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Detailed assessment of rare and common TERT variation in a family with a telomere biology disorder.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
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Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

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Telomeres and COVID-19.

Abraham Aviv1

  • 1Center of Human Development and Aging, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
|May 20, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Short telomere length (TL) may identify patients at higher risk of severe COVID-19 and death. This biomarker is linked to lymphopenia and impaired T-cell function in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • COVID-19 presents significant challenges for medical and public health communities.
  • Identifying biomarkers for severe disease risk is crucial for patient management.
  • Lymphopenia, particularly CD4/CD8 T cell decline, is observed in severe COVID-19 cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate short telomere length (TL) as a potential biomarker for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  • To explore the relationship between TL, lymphopenia, and T-cell dynamics in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of telomere length in patients with COVID-19.
  • Assessment of lymphocyte counts, including CD4/CD8 T cells and B cells.
  • Correlation of telomere length with disease severity and mortality.
Keywords:
COVID-19T cellsTelomereslymphopenia

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Main Results:

  • Short telomere length (TL) was identified as a potential predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients, irrespective of age.
  • Lymphopenia, characterized by a decrease in CD4/CD8 T cells, was a common finding in these patients.
  • Findings suggest that lymphocyte TL dynamics may limit T-cell proliferation and potentially stall T-cell lymphopoiesis in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals with short TL.

Conclusions:

  • Short telomere length (TL) may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk of severe outcomes and death from COVID-19.
  • The study highlights the role of T-cell lymphopenia and its potential link to telomere length in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
  • Further research into TL as a biomarker could aid in risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies for COVID-19.