Stem cell function and maintenance - ends that matter: Role of telomeres and telomerase. 


Author: Saeed H, Iqtedar M.

Affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA, dkstemham@yahoo.com. 
Conference/Journal: J Biosci.
Date published: 2013 Sep
Other:
 Volume ID: 38   ,  Issue ID: 3   ,  Pages: 641-9   ,  Word Count: 104  
    

Stem cell research holds a promise to treat and prevent age-related degenerative changes in humans. Literature is replete with studies showing that stem cell function declines with aging, especially in highly proliferative tissues/ organs. Among others, telomerase and telomere damage is one of the intrinsic physical instigators that drive agerelated degenerative changes. In this review we provide brief overview of telomerase-deficient aging affects in diverse stem cells populations. Furthermore, potential disease phenotypes associated with telomerase dysregulation in a specific stem cell population is also discussed in this review. Additionally, the role of telomerase in stem cell driven cancer is also briefly touched upon.

PMID: 23938394