Main description:

Telomere shortening represents one of the basic aspects of ageing and telomere dysfunction could contribute to the accumulation of DNA damage during ageing. This book summarizes evidence and data indicating that telomere dysfunction influences human ageing, diseases and cancer. The book describes our current knowledge on checkpoints that limit cellular lifespan and survival in response to telomere dysfunction. There is special focus on adult stem cells.

Contents:

Telomere Shortening and Ageing.- Cellular versus Organismal Aging.- Telomere-Induced Senescence of Primary Cells.- Telomeres, Senescence, Oxidative Stress, and Heterogeneity.- Initiation of Genomic Instability, Cellular Senescence, and Organismal Aging by Dysfunctional Telomeres.- Telomerase Mutations and Premature Ageing in Humans.- Telomerase, Telomeres, and Stem Cell Aging.- Mechanisms of Stem Cell Ageing.- Senescence Signatures of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells.- Telomere Shortening Induces Cell Intrinsic Checkpoints and Environmental Alterations Limiting Adult Stem Cell Function.- p16INK4a and Stem Cell Ageing: A Telomere-Independent Process?.- Telomerase as a Potential Regulator of Tissue Progenitor Cells.- Telomeres, DNA Damage and Cancer.- Telomere Shortening and Telomerase Activation during Cancer Formation.- Telomere Binding Proteins and Disease.- Therapeutic Targets.- Targeting Telomerase: Therapeutic Options for Cancer Treatment.- Werner Syndrome, Telomeres, and Stress Signaling: Implications for Future Therapies?.