Hyper-long telomeres in mice lead to a longer lifespan and less metabolic aging
In humans and mice, short telomeres cause age-related diseases and shorter lifespans. We have generated mouse embryonic cells (ES) with longer telomeres (hyper-long) without genetic manipulations in the past. These cells contributed to all tissues of mice. In order to determine whether hyper-long-telomeres are harmful, we created mice whose cells were derived 100% from hyper-long-telomere ES cell lines. These mice show longer telomeres, and have less DNA damage as they age. Hyper-long telomeres mice are lean, have low cholesterol and LDL and improved glucose and insulin toleration. The mice with hyper-long telomeres also live longer and have a lower cancer incidence. These results show that longer telomeres in a species than is normal are not harmful but have beneficial effects.
Source:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12664-x
