Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
11:44
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Trauma on Cellular Aging
Published on: March 22, 2024
2.6K
Telomere Length and Hematological Disorders: A Review
Beatriz Maria Dias Nogueira1, Caio Bezerra Machado1, Raquel Carvalho Montenegro1
1Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Telomeres shorten in hematological malignancies, indicating poor prognosis. Smallest telomeres are found in relapsed patients, highlighting their importance for predicting disease risk and guiding therapy.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Telomeres protect chromosome ends and are crucial for genome stability.
- Shortened telomeres are linked to genetic instability and poor outcomes in hematological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze telomere size in various hematological malignancies.
- To assess the prognostic value of telomere length in these cancers.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of studies (2010-2019) on telomere size in hematological malignancy patients.
- Comparison of telomere lengths across different hematological neoplasms (leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome, lymphomas).
Main Results:
- Telomere shortening is a common feature in hematological neoplasms, persisting even with telomerase reactivation.
- Significantly shorter telomeres were observed in patients with relapsed disease.
- Telomere length analysis is critical for prognosis and risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- Excessive telomere shortening is a hallmark of major hematological malignancies.
- Telomere measurement aids in prognosis, risk prediction, and therapeutic strategy decisions.
- Further research into telomere dynamics in hematological cancers is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
26.1K
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...
26.1K
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
6.5K
6.5K
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
4.1K
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...
4.1K
01:21Hematopoiesis
7.9K
The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts early during development, on the seventh day of embryogenesis. This phase of hematopoiesis is called the primitive wave, wherein the extraembryonic yolk sac allows the production of erythroid cells and endothelial cells from a common precursor called hemangioblast. The erythroid cells provide oxygen to support the growth of the rapidly dividing embryo. Hemangioblasts later develop into hematopoietic stem cells or...
7.9K
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
1.8K
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
1.8K
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
3.7K
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
3.7K