Answered
Lengthening telomeres can be achieved through the activation of telomerase, the enzyme responsible for adding telomeric DNA repeats to chromosome ends. Telomerase is active in certain cells such as germ cells, stem cells, and cancer cells. In laboratory settings, researchers have been able to lengthen telomeres in cultured cells by artificially activating telomerase. However, directly increasing telomerase activity in human somatic cells presents challenges and risks, such as the potential for cancer development due to uncontrolled cell growth. Some lifestyle interventions, such as regular exercise, stress management, and a healthy diet, have been suggested to support telomere maintenance and slow their shortening, though the effectiveness of these approaches remains under study. Telomerase activation is a focus of research for potential therapeutic applications, though much more is needed to understand the full implications of manipulating telomere length in humans.
BNO Team
