The Significance of Telomeres in Aging and Disease

Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., examines the relationship between telomeres, cellular aging, and metabolic health, highlighting how telomere regulation differs between insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals. She discusses the effects of environmental factors—like glucose levels, stress hormones, and drugs—on telomere maintenance, which can disrupt cellular coordination and contribute to age-related diseases. Blackburn also shares insights from studies on hibernating lemurs, indicating that while their telomere health remains stable during metabolic slowdowns, it declines upon reactivation. Ultimately, she suggests that telomere maintenance could serve as a valuable biomarker for early signs of metabolic dysfunction, informing strategies for long-term health and resilience. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39944]