Telomerase Activation and Epitalon
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that protect genetic material and progressively shorten with each cell division. Telomere shortening represents a recognized hallmark of cellular aging. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that extends telomeres by adding repetitive sequences to chromosome ends. Telomerase expression is suppressed in most human somatic cells but remains active in stem cells, germ cells, and certain long-lived cell populations. Research by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology examined peptides capable of modulating telomerase activity as potential interventions in aging biology.