Telomeres are repetitive stretches of DNA found at the ends of chromosomes, synthesized by the Telomerase enzyme, and found at the ends of chromosomes, as is frequently mentioned these days. In general, there is a shortening in each cell division. It will shorten as time progresses. In the meantime, telomerase enzyme can be expressed and activated in cell groups such as reproductive cells and stem cells, preventing cell aging and providing continuous division.
It is stated in the literature that with telomere shortening (as in “Telomer Syndrome”, which is characterized by short telomeres seen at early ages), diseases increase, aging occurs, mutational load in cells increases, and as a result, the incidence of cancer increases. However, there is an interesting point here; Although cancer cells are constantly dividing, there are long telomeres in their chromosomes and this makes the cells immortal. So, while short telomeres are a reason for cancer formation (cancer incidence increases with increasing age), due to increased mutational burden, long telomeres cause the immortality of cancer cells.
THEREFORE, PLAYING WITH TELOMERS INCREASE CANCER. IT NEEDS TO WAIT FOR THE TRUE THESIS.
Genetic engineering, gene therapy are important topics and recently received the first gene therapy treatment approval. Especially in the field of cancer, integration of tumor suppressor genes into normal cells by means of vectors and prevention of cancer formation are important issues of gene therapy. Genetic engineering will be an important treatment field in the coming years.
Theoretically, telomere treatment will cause the telomerase gene to be activated with vectors, increasing the expression and activation of this enzyme, and the longevity of telomeres in body cells, reducing DNA degradation, preserving cell balance and mitochondrial activity, and increasing cell life and viability. This means prolonging life with current literature information.
THEREFORE TELOMER TREATMENT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A STORY.
Only one view says: Do telomeres get shorter as a result of cell aging, as all cell organelles degrade? It’s simply this: Do we age because we age, or do we age because our skin wrinkles?
In my opinion, this is far from being a simple topic, but rather an important (with pros and cons) discussion area that will open the door to many researches in the future. However, it would be more realistic for the treatment decision to wait for the literature evidence to strengthen for these treatments.
LET’S WAIT BRIEF BUT NOT SIMPLIFY.
