Telomeres play a vital role in protecting our stored genetic information, so properly
understanding them can help us see how our DNA resists genomic rearrangements. The article, If
you want to live longer, take good care of your telomeres, gives a basic introduction of telomeres
and describes what their general purpose is. The author makes the comparison of aglets being
used to protect shoelaces with telomeres being used to protect DNA. They go on to describe that
a consequence of having telomeres that are too short is being susceptible to a cessation of cell
division. They also claim that short telomeres can lead an early onset of a “diseasespan” which
they describe as a period in one’s life when they become more at risk of disease and various
health problems (typically associated with old age).
The article written by Aubert and Lansdorp could be used to support the content in this
Washington Post article. While the article, Telomeres and Aging, makes no mention of a
“diseasespan”, it does conclude that “It seems plausible that, with age, the proliferation of an
increasing number of cells in normal individuals is compromised by progressive telomere loss.”
[2]. The article supports the notion that having short telomeres can “dire consequences”, but it
also makes note that telomere mechanisms play a role in limiting pre-cancer cells, as well as
other dysfunctional cells.
1.) Aubert, G. Lansdorp, P. M. Telomeres and Aging. Physiological Reviews;
https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00026.2007
2.) Hallett, V. If you want to live longer, take good care of your telomeres. Washington Post
Health-Science; https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/if-you-want-
to-live-longer-take-good-care-of-your-telomeres/2017/01/13/0127ab70-d69d-11e6-b8b2-
cb5164beba6b_story.html