Telomere Dynamics and Telomerase Regulation in Cellular Senescence and Aging: A Review Synthesis

In an era of increasing life expectancy and rising age-related diseases, assessing the intertwined roles of telomeres and telomerase as molecular drivers of cellular senescence(definition) promises transformative advances in extending human healthspan(definition) and developing anti-aging solutions. This literature review synthesizes key advancements in understanding telomere(definition) and telomerase's role in aging, spanning from foundational mitotic clock hypotheses to contemporary models of cellular and systemic decline. It examines telomerase-mediated telomere elongation as a countermeasure to replicative shortening, highlighting its impact on proliferative capacity across stem and somatic cells. Additionally, the review explores the perspectives on telomerase functions in preventing cellular senescence that extend beyond mere length maintenance, and instead participate in a dynamic model which also considers the state of telomere structures. Drawing from seminal works and empirical evidence over the past thirty years, this synthesis bridges historical discoveries with modern implications, elucidating how telomere and telomerase participate in shaping cell senescence, aging, and tissue regeneration