Three American scientists, Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their research on how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and telomerase. The research has contributed to a broader understanding of how the body ages.
Telomeres are the tail end of chromosomes and carry information that records the history and regenerative potential of a cell. Telomeres have proven important to understanding how cancers develop and the body ages. The doctors’ research indicates that the enzyme telomerase can actually enhance the cellular potential of telomeres, preventing the cell from degenerating. More specifically, organ tissues made up of these cells will remain healthier longer because of these enzymes.
Because their research suggests individuals with shorter telomere length (and less telomerase) display a greater biological age than others, the doctors believe risk for age-related chronic disease can be detected better by looking for cellular damage to the telomeres.
Source: Press Release, International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics