Telomeres

Telomeres are non-coding DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes. They act as protective caps, preventing genetic information from being lost during cell division and aging. Telomeres are important for preserving the stability of the genome and maintaining cellular health, making them essential for normal cell function. As cells age, their telomeres shorten, leading to reduced cell viability and eventually cell death. This plays an important role in the aging process and an increased risk of age-related diseases. Researchers are studying telomeres in hopes of finding ways to slow down or reverse the aging process and improve treatment and prevention of age-related disease.