Telomeres and Human Disease
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 5910
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Telomeres are protective nucleoprotein structures that cap the ends of linear chromosomes to prevent degradation and fusion. Vertebrate telomeres are composed of variable numbers of a tandem repeat sequence, (TTAGGG)n, bound to the shelterin protein complex. In most somatic cells, telomeres become progressively shorter with each cell division due to the inherent properties of linear DNA replication. This process is attenuated in germ cells and, to a lesser extent, in stem cells by the action of the enzyme telomerase. Mutations in key telomere maintenance genes are associated with rare inherited disorders characterized by extremely short, dysfunctional telomeres and shared clinical features such bone marrow failure.
A shorter mean leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with the risk of common age-related conditions such as coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The relationship between telomere length and neoplastic disease is more complex, with a shorter LTL being associated with an increased risk of some cancers and a decreased risk of others. Recent genetic studies suggest a causal role for telomere length in the onset and progression of these conditions, although the underlying mechanismas are poorly understood. A better understanding of the pathways underlying telomere maintenance and its role in age-related disease risk will pave the way for novel treatments and interventions that support healthy ageing.
This Special Issue focuses on the role of telomere length and integrity in human disease. We invite authors to submit relevant articles or review papers for inclusion.
Dr. Jess Buxton
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- telomeres
- ageing
- senescence
- genomics
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