Format: Video Download of Slides with Synchronized Audio

Presenter: Jerry Shay, PhD

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of linear chromosomes that serve as essential protective structures that maintain the integrity of chromosomal DNA. Each time a normal human cell divides some telomeric DNA sequences are lost. When telomeres are short, cells enter an irreversible growth arrest state called replicative senescence (or aging). There is mounting evidence that short telomeres correlate with age-associated diseases by limiting the ability of tissues to regenerate. This has led to the idea that telomere length could be a good and highly reliable indicator (a biomarker) of biological (not necessarily chronological) aging. Telomere length measurements, especially measurements of the shortest telomeres, provide a molecular determinant about overall health. It has been shown that environmental stressors can lead to increases in oxidative damage and premature telomere shortening. Smoking, inflammatory disease, lack of modest levels of exercise, stress and obesity can all contribute to increases in the rate of telomere shortening but in some instances these may be reversed by behavior modification. Just as cholesterol and blood pressure measurements provide an indication of overall health, newly introduced highly quantitative telomere length assays also provide a window into one’s overall health. Quantitative telomere tests are scientifically proven biological assays that correlate with the ability of human cells to proliferate and replenish tissues.