TELOMERES AND ANTI-AGING

The long, thread-like DNA molecules that carry our genes are packed into chromosomes, the telomeres being the caps on their ends. If the telomeres are shortened, cells age. Conversely, if telomerase activity is high, telomere length is maintained, and cell longevity is increased. Telomeres don’t determine whether or not we live, but whether or not we age, which ultimately affects how long we live. Telomeres are often described as “clocks” that regulate aging. A number of age-related pathologies and premature aging syndromes are characterized by a faster-than-normal rate of telomere shortening, which suggests that telomere shortening is main cause of organismal aging. On the other hand, telomere shortening may also impair the ability of stem cells to regenerate tissues, thus leading to tissue failure and causes premature aging. The recent Nobel Prize (2009) for Physiology or Medicine was awarded to the scientists who have solved this major problem in biology that is “how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase from degradation”. Research in this area has been intense and it is now known that the DNA sequence in the telomere attracts proteins that form a protective cap around the fragile ends of the DNA strands to increase cell life.

The cosmetics industry has witnessed a gradual shift in the use of molecular biology/biotechnology based techniques or ingredients. Among the molecular techniques/therapies, lengthening of telomeres, sirtuins protein assisted repair of DNA and regulation of genes that undergo altered expression with age and stem cells ability to maintain and repair the epidermal tissue plays a major role in modern skin care technology. What does the telomere/telomerase hypothesis mean for aging of the skin? Interestingly, aging phenomena are predominantly visible in the dermis as exemplified by changes in the extracellular matrix and/or expression pattern of the dermal fibroblasts. According to Dr. Maria A. Blasco of National Cancer Centre, Spain reported that telomere shortening also plays a major role in stem cell dysfunction. She proposed the stem cell theory for the role of telomeres and telomerase in aging. L-carnosine in particular appears to reduce or even reverse telomere damage and shortening rates, at least in cultured human diploid fibroblasts. A key Geron company patent indicates that the herbal extract of Astralagus is one of the powerful telomerase activator.Telomere shortening leads to a decreased ability of stem cells to leave the stem cell niche and to regenerate tissues. The mechanisms underlying the decreased mobilization of stem cells are still unknown but are likely to involve senescence (cells lose the ability to divide) in response to short telomeres. By helping to stabilize the telomere, we may be able to slow down the process of skin aging and provide the mechanism to assist our cells in “resetting their aging clocks.” The telomerase therapy will hold many promising possibilities for the field of anti-aging medicine in near future.

The discovery of telomerase enzyme led to new insights into cancer. A cancer cell divides continuously and up to 90% of human cancers require telomerase to do so. Scientists are looking for the answer to the question, “How can the lifespan of cells be prolonged without promoting a cancer or other diseases caused by cumulative genetic defects?”. These questions are the object of intensive research on telomeres at the present time. The mechanisms underlying the decreased mobilization of stem cells are still unknown but are likely to involve senescence (cells lose the ability to divide) in response to short telomeres. Even though our knowledge of telomerase on human experiments is in its infancy, telomerase therapy will hold many promising possibilities for the field of anti-aging medicine in future.

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Tags: anti-age, anti-aging, chromosome, dna, telomere

Categories: SKINsider

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