Human telomere biology

Key finding

Telomere attrition acts as a contributory, interactive factor in aging and disease risk — short telomeres block cell division and impair tissue renewal, while telomere maintenance is protective.

Method / model

Review by the Nobel-laureate telomere group (Blackburn, Epel, Lin).

Relevance

Evidence base for telomere-targeting longevity claims (Epithalon, Hallmarks of Aging).

Blackburn, E.H. et al. (2015). Human telomere biology. Science, 350(6265), 1193-1198.