Human telomere biology: A contributory and interactive factor in aging, disease risks, and protection

Telomeres are the protective end-complexes at the termini of eukaryotic chromosomes. Telomere attrition can lead to potentially maladaptive cellular changes, block cell division, and interfere with tissue replenishment. Recent advances in the understanding of human disease processes have clarified t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2015-12, Vol.350 (6265), p.1193-1198
Main Authors: Blackburn, Elizabeth H., Epel, Elissa S., Lin, Jue
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - genetics
Biology
Cancer
Cell Division - genetics
Cellular biology
Chromosomes
Disease
Disease - genetics
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genetics
Humans
Interactive
Life Style
Maintenance
Neoplasms - genetics
Progressions
Replenishment
REVIEW
Risk
Stress, Physiological
Telomerase
Telomerase - metabolism
Telomere - chemistry
Telomere - physiology
Telomere - ultrastructure
Telomere Homeostasis - genetics
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Summary:Telomeres are the protective end-complexes at the termini of eukaryotic chromosomes. Telomere attrition can lead to potentially maladaptive cellular changes, block cell division, and interfere with tissue replenishment. Recent advances in the understanding of human disease processes have clarified the roles of telomere biology, especially in diseases of human aging and in some aging-related processes. Greater overall telomere attrition predicts mortality and aging-related diseases in inherited telomere syndrome patients, and also in general human cohorts. However, genetically caused variations in telomere maintenance either raise or lower risks and progression of cancers, in a highly cancer type–specific fashion. Telomere maintenance is determined by genetic factors and is also cumulatively shaped by nongenetic influences throughout human life; both can interact. These and other recent findings highlight both causal and potentiating roles for telomere attrition in human diseases.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.aab3389