A TERT activator was found to promote telomere synthesis, reduce cellular senescence, and alleviate neuroinflammation in aged mice, improving cognitive function. It achieved this by upregulating TERT transcription through the MEK/ERK/AP-1 pathway, reducing key ageing markers like p16 through DNA methylation, without increasing cancer risk.
July 2024 – Science Direct
Key Takeaways
- Telomere extension: TERT activation helps extend telomeres, the protective caps of chromosomes that shorten with age. Longer telomeres reduce cellular senescence, a process where ageing cells stop dividing, which contributes to age-related decline. This promotes cellular longevity and healthier ageing
- DNA methylation and ageing markers: TERT activation induces beneficial changes in DNA methylation, which can reduce the expression of ageing markers like p16. By down-regulating these markers, it helps maintain healthier cellular function, slowing the progression of ageing
- Neuroinflammation reduction: TERT activation also reduces neuroinflammation, a key contributor to cognitive decline in ageing. Lower levels of brain inflammation support improved cognitive function, potentially protecting against neurodegenerative conditions
Unlike some longevity interventions, TERT activation does not increase the risk of cancer. This makes it a potentially safer approach to extending healthspan and improving longevity by targeting ageing hallmarks without promoting uncontrolled cell growth.
Read the article at: Choi, Heeyoon, et al. “TERT Activation Targets DNA Methylation and Multiple Ageing Hallmarks.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 35, no. 10, 2023, pp. 2003-2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.08.015.