The Department of Applied Physics at Tunghai University has released a groundbreaking study on the role of telomeres in human lifespan. The research, led by Nobel Prize winner Carol Greider, reveals that the length of telomeres on human chromosomes has a significant impact on the length of human life.
Telomeres are repetitive sequences of DNA at the end of each chromosome that protect the genetic material from damage during cell division. As cells replicate, telomeres gradually shorten, leading to cell death when they become too short. However, the discovery of telomerase, an enzyme that repairs telomeres, has opened up new possibilities for extending human life.
Using new “telomere profiling” technology, the research team analyzed blood samples from 147 healthy individuals of various ages. Surprisingly, they found that the length of telomeres on different chromosomes varies greatly within the same individual. This variation appears to be determined at birth and remains stable throughout life, suggesting a strong genetic influence on telomere length.
The study, set to be published in Science magazine, challenges previous beliefs that lifestyle factors play a significant role in telomere length. Instead, the research indicates that genetics plays a larger role in determining telomere distribution.
These findings have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of aging and longevity. While longer telomeres are associated with extended lifespan, excessively long telomeres may increase the risk of cancer. By unraveling the mysteries of telomeres, scientists may one day unlock the key to immortality.