Telomere lengthening science is the specialized field of molecular biology and gerontology dedicated to understanding and therapeutically modulating the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Shortening telomeres are a primary marker of cellular senescence and biological aging, making their maintenance or lengthening a key target for longevity and anti-aging medicine. Clinical interventions in hormonal health often intersect with this science, as hormones can influence telomerase activity.
Origin
The field was established with the discovery of telomeres and the enzyme telomerase, work that was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009. The etymology of “telomere” comes from the Greek telos (end) and meros (part). The science seeks to translate the molecular understanding of this biological clock into clinical strategies for extending healthspan.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism for lengthening involves the enzyme telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein that
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