Scientists at the National Institute on Aging investigate telomere attrition, the progressive shortening of protective DNA caps on chromosomes, and its role in cellular senescence. They review strategies such as telomerase activation, NAD⁺ supplementation, and lifestyle interventions to maintain telomere integrity and propose approaches to mitigate age-related disease by extending healthspan.

Key points

• Progressive telomere shortening drives replicative senescence and age-related decline
• Telomerase activation via TERT gene delivery can restore telomere length in preclinical models
• Senolytics such as dasatinib and quercetin clear senescent cells to reduce inflammation
• NAD⁺ boosters (nicotinamide riboside) enhance sirtuin activity and DNA repair
• Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting activate longevity pathways and slow aging
• Stem cell therapy offers potential tissue regeneration by rejuvenating aged cells

Why it matters: Targeting telomere maintenance shifts aging research toward fundamental mechanisms rather than symptoms. Preserving chromosomal integrity promises to extend healthspan and tackle multiple age-associated diseases simultaneously, offering advantages over traditional, single-disease therapies.