Linking telomere loss and mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic disease.
Telomeres and mitochondria are known to deteriorate over time. Telomere shortening is associated with aging, early senescence, and premature cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction produces indiscriminate amounts of reactive oxygen species that may lead to oxidative damage to cellular constituents, including telomeric DNA, causing telomere shortening. In fact, primary mitochondrial dysfunction (for example respiratory chain disorders) and secondary mitochondrial dysfunction (such as metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and mood disorders, among others) have been shown to have shorter telomeres than healthy individuals. Drawing a mechanistic connection between telomere function and mitochondria biology will provide a broader perspective for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and their relation to the aging process, and may provide opportunities for new possible treatments.
Research Unit for Molecular Medicine, Department for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital. Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 39, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark, ac.gonzalez@clin.au.dk.
Ana Carlota
AC
Gonzales-Ebsen
Research Unit for Molecular Medicine, Department for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital. Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 39, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Niels
N
Gregersen
Research Unit for Molecular Medicine, Department for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital. Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 39, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Rikke Kj
RK
Olsen
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D001678:Organelle Biogenesis; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D016615:Telomere / Q000378:metabolism; D059505:Telomere Homeostasis; D059506:Telomere Shortening
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species