Publication . Carneiro, Madalena; Ferreira, Miguel; Leal, José
Why, and how, organisms age and ultimately die is a key question of modern
biology. Telomeres are considered molecular timekeepers determining cellular
lifespans. Because telomerase expression is restricted in human somatic cells,
telomeres shorten progressively, potentially acting as central instigators for the
loss of tissue regenerative capacity with age. Where – in which particular
tissues – and how – by which molecular mechanisms – progressive telomere
erosion promotes dysfunction in aging is still not entirely understood.(...)
