The role of telomeres and telomerase in stem cell aging.
Stem cells regenerate our bodies. In a similar manner to match ignition, stem cell "ignition" has to be precisely tuned to avoid uncontrolled proliferation as may occur in tumors or, inversely, the lack of proliferation as happens in degenerative disorders. During the last years it has become evident that telomeres and telomerase are main components of the stem cell "ignition" mechanism, providing a way to restrain cancer and delay aging.
Flores
Ignacio
I
Cardiovascular Development Biology Program, Spanish National Cardiovascular Research Centre (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
Blasco
Maria A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology*; D043171:Chromosomal Instability / Q000235:genetics; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics; D004261:DNA Replication; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D016615:Telomere / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D019098:Telomerase