Telomerebased

Telomerebased, or telomere-based, refers to the field and set of strategies focused on telomeres—the protective nucleotide repeats at chromosome ends—and the cellular mechanisms that maintain or shorten them. The aim is to understand how telomere dynamics influence aging, genomic stability, and disease, and to translate this knowledge into interventions.

Telomere biology is central to this area. Telomeres shorten with each cell division due to the end-replication problem. Critically short telomeres trigger cellular senescence or apoptosis, limiting tissue renewal. Telomerase, an enzyme that extends telomeres, is active in germ cells, some stem cells, and most cancer cells, but is largely repressed in most somatic tissues. Some tumors use alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) to maintain telomere length. Telomere integrity also depends on protective capping and the transcription of telomeric RNAs (TERRA).

Research approaches in the field aim to modulate telomere length and function. This includes strategies to activate or deliver telomerase to target cells, as well as small molecules or gene therapies that influence telomere maintenance. Genome editing may be explored to enhance telomere protection or regulate associated pathways. In oncology, telomere-based approaches may seek to disrupt telomere maintenance to limit tumor growth, while regenerative strategies examine how telomere elongation could support tissue repair. Telomere length is also used as a biomarker in many studies, though measurement differs by tissue and method.

Applications could include treating degenerative diseases and improving tissue regeneration, but risks exist, notably the potential for increasing cancer risk through prolonged telomere maintenance. Ethical and regulatory considerations are integral as the field progresses, with many telomere-based strategies remaining experimental or in early clinical stages.