telomerforkorting
Telomere shortening refers to the gradual loss of telomeric DNA repeats at the ends of linear chromosomes as cells divide. Telomeres protect coding regions from erosion and help maintain genomic stability. In most somatic cells, telomeres shorten with age, and when they reach a critical length, cells enter replicative senescence or undergo apoptosis.
Telomeres are maintained by the enzyme telomerase in stem and germ cells; most adult somatic cells have
Rate of shortening is influenced by genetics and environment. Inherited telomere biology disorders (e.g., dyskeratosis congenita)
Associations exist between shorter telomeres and aging-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and weakened immune
Measurement of telomere length is usually performed on leukocytes using methods such as quantitative PCR or