Telomerase in Brain: The New Kid on the Block and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Saretzki, Gabriele; Wan, Tengfei

doi:10.3390/biomedicines9050490

Cited by 23 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 83 publications

(162 reference statements)

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“…However, recently, there is evidence on the protective role of TERT in neurons. TERT may activate autophagy for toxic neuronal proteins and ameliorate the effects of amyloid-β, pathological tau, and α-synuclein involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease [41][42][43][44]. TERT is expressed in several regions of the brain, such as the olfactory bulb, cortex [45], hippocampus [46], and subventricular zone and in Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum [47].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Sleep Bruxism

Macek

Więckiewicz

Poręba

et al. 2022

JCM

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Introduction: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a widespread masticatory muscle activity during sleep and affects approximately 13.2% of the general population. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays a role in preventing the shortening of the telomere. This prospective, observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of TERT and the severity of SB and to identify the independent risk factors for SB. Methods: A total of 112 patients were diagnosed by performing one-night polysomnography based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. TERT SNP was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: Statistical analysis showed the lack of relationship between the rs2853669 polymorphism of TERT and severity of SB (p > 0.05). However, the study showed that patients with allele T in the 2736100 polymorphism of TERT had a lower score on the phasic bruxism episode index (BEI). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the value of phasic BEI was 0.8 for the differential prediction for the presence of allele T in the locus. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.328 and 0.893, respectively. The regression analysis showed that lack of TERT rs2736100 T allele, male gender, and arterial hypertension are the risk factors for the higher value of phasic BEI. Conclusion: The SNP of the TERT gene affects phasic SB intensity. The absence of TERT rs2736100 T allele, male sex, and arterial hypertension are independent risk factors for phasic SB.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Sleep Bruxism

Macek

Więckiewicz

Poręba

et al. 2022

JCM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Brain ageing is a key risk factor and mechanism responsible for a number of neurodegenerative diseases ( 32 , 33 ), and it has been demonstrated that telomerase activity and TERT abundance may play a protective role in neurons and brain cell functions ( 34 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The TERT levels regulate telomerase activity, and it has been described that telomerase activity decreases during embryo-genesis. By contrast, the TERT levels are maintained, at least in humans, possibly to protect neurons from oxidative stress and neurodegeneration ( 34 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies on telomerase expression enhancement in the brain have been conducted either via genetic intervention or by the use of synthetic or natural enzyme activators, as reviewed by Saretzki and Wan ( 34 ). As regards natural activators, TA-65 ® and GRN510 have yielded encouraging results on the beneficial effects of telomerase activation on brain function.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reversal of brain aging by targeting telomerase: A nutraceutical approach

et al. 2021

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Telomeres, the protective caps of chromosomes, shorten with age, as telomerase, the enzyme responsible for the compensation of telomere erosion, is inactive in the majority of cells. Telomere shortening and subsequent cell senescence lead to tissue aging and age-related diseases. Neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by the progressive loss of neurons among other hallmarks of aged tissue, and poor cognitive function, have been associated with a short telomere length. Thus, telomerase activity has emerged as a therapeutic target, with novel agents being under investigation. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a novel natural telomerase activator, 'Reverse™', containing Centella asiatica extract, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D3 on the brains of 18-month-old rats. The administration of the 'Reverse™' supplement for 3 months restored telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in the brains of rats, as revealed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. In addition, the findings from PCR-ELISA demonstrated an enhanced telomerase activity in the cerebellum and cortex cells in the brains of rats treated with the 'Reverse™' supplement. The histopathological findings confirmed a structural reversibility effect close to the differentiation observed in the young control group of rats treated with two capsules/kg body weight of the 'Reverse™' supplement. On the whole, the findings of the present study provide a strong indication that an increased telomerase activity and TERT expression may be achieved not only in the postnatal or embryonic period, but also in the brains of middle-aged rats through nutraceutical supplementation. The use of the 'Reverse™' supplement may thus contribute to the potential alleviation of a number of central nervous system diseases.

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“…Telomerase is present in almost all eukaryotic organisms and was studied firstly in protozoans by Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, its importance for human health during development, ageing and cancer soon became obvious [ 98 ].…”

Section: Curcumin and Telomerases In Brainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Curcumin as Prospective Anti-Aging Natural Compound: Focus on Brain

et al. 2021

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The nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine for their positive impact on health. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many diseases, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardio-protective, nephron-protective, hepato-protective, anti-neoplastic, and anti-rheumatic proprieties. In recent years, the investigations of curcumin have been focused on its application to aging and age-associated diseases. Aging is a physiological process in which there is a decreasing of cellular function due to internal or external stimuli. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of aging and age-related diseases. Moreover, many age-related disorders such as cancer, neuroinflammation, and infections are due to a low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. Curcumin acting on different proteins is able to contrast both oxidative stress than inflammation. In the brain, curcumin is able to modulate inflammation induced by microglia. Finally in brain tumors curcumin is able to reduce tumor growth by inhibition of telomerase activity. This review emphasizes the anti-aging role of curcumin focusing on its mechanism to counteract aging in the brain. Moreover, new formulations to increase the bioavailability of curcumin are discussed.

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Telomerase in Brain: The New Kid on the Block and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cited by 23 publications

References 83 publications

Assessment of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Sleep Bruxism

Assessment of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Sleep Bruxism

Reversal of brain aging by targeting telomerase: A nutraceutical approach

Curcumin as Prospective Anti-Aging Natural Compound: Focus on Brain

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