Anti-Aging Enzyme Telomerase Successfully Mapped

Human chromosomes (grey) capped by telomeres (white)
Credit: Wikipedia

A collaboration of more than 1000 researchers have resulted in the successful mapping of the telomerase enzyme. An enzyme responsible for prolonging cellular life by protecting the chromosome.

In 2009, three doctors received the Nobel Prize for Medicine (Physiology) for the discovery of the telomerase enzyme. Telomerase is an enzyme that is believed to have a rejuvenating effect on normal cells.

Telomerase works on the telomeres which are found at the tips of cellular chromosomes. Telomeres protect the chromosome strand. These telomeres shorten after each division of the cell until it is consumed. Although normal cell division affects the telomeres, other factors such as stress, unbalanced diet, and lifestyle also can affect them.

As the telomeres shorten, the cell starts to deteriorate and may result in loss of the ability of the cell to divide, disease, and tissue/organ deterioration. A short telomere is said to be an effective biomarker (in combination with other biomarkers) for health and disease risk.

Telomerase, the enzyme, protects the telomeres and maintains it, increasing telomere length. It helps elongate telomeres after each cell replication.