Telomere Shortening in Interstitial Lung Disease: Challenges and Promises
Haonan Jin1, Jiamin Song2, Ronglin Gao2
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|July 9, 2025
Summary
Telomere shortening and telomerase abnormalities are linked to interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurrence, development, and prognosis. Gene therapy targeting telomerase shows promise for ILD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) involves lung inflammation and fibrosis.
- Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and telomerase prevents their shortening.
- Abnormalities in telomerase activity and telomere length are implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding telomere shortening in ILD.
- To explore the role of telomere length in ILD diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting telomerase in ILD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on telomeres, telomerase, and ILD.
- Analysis of the association between telomere length and ILD characteristics.
- Evaluation of gene therapy strategies targeting telomerase for ILD.
Main Results:
- Telomere shortening is observed in diverse ILD types and correlates with patient prognosis.
- Telomerase abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of ILD.
- Gene therapy offers a potential therapeutic avenue for ILD.
Conclusions:
- Telomere dynamics are crucial in ILD pathogenesis and progression.
- Monitoring telomere length may aid in ILD diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting telomerase presents a promising strategy for novel ILD therapies.
