Caffeine promotes the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase to regulate cellular senescence and aging

Area of Science:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Telomere shortening is a key driver of cellular senescence and aging.
• Caffeine, a common stimulant in coffee and tea, has potential health benefits.
• The molecular mechanisms underlying caffeine's anti-aging effects require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of caffeine on telomere length and cellular senescence.
• To elucidate the role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in caffeine's action.
• To evaluate caffeine's impact on age-related organ changes in animal models.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies measuring TERT expression (mRNA and protein) and telomere length.
• TERT knockdown experiments to assess its necessity for caffeine's effects.
• In vivo studies involving long-term caffeine administration to mice.
• Analysis of organ indices and histological changes in aged mice.

Main Results:

• Caffeine significantly increased TERT expression at both mRNA and protein levels.
• Caffeine treatment led to telomere elongation and prevention of cellular senescence.
• TERT knockdown abolished caffeine-induced telomere extension.
• Long-term caffeine administration in mice increased TERT expression and telomere length in thymus and spleen.
• Caffeine improved organ indices and reversed age-related histological damage in thymus, spleen, and liver.

Conclusions:

• Caffeine promotes TERT expression, leading to telomere elongation and delayed cellular senescence.
• Caffeine's ability to counteract age-related organ decline suggests a significant role in mitigating aging processes.
• These findings provide a molecular basis for the health benefits of caffeine-containing foods.