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Structure and Functions of Telomeres in Organismal Homeostasis and Disease

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Genomic Elements in Health, Disease and Evolution

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Abstract

The chromosome protective telomeric structure and the biological pathways involved in telomere metabolism are imperative for cellular, tissue and organismal homeostasis as well as species perpetuation. During the life span of a multicellular organism, a portion of telomeric length is dispensable. This loss is replenished by highly conserved telomere elongation pathways operating mainly during gametogenesis and in early stages of embryogenesis, to allow development, and tissue renewal throughout life. Herein, we discuss the structure and function of telomeres, the mechanisms of telomere capping and maintenance and the biological consequences of telomere dysfunction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece (BRFAA), 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., Athens, 115 27, Greece

    Penelope Kroustallaki B.Sc., M.Sc. & Sarantis Gagos Ph.D.

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  1. Penelope Kroustallaki B.Sc., M.Sc.
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  2. Sarantis Gagos Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Sarantis Gagos Ph.D. .

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  1. Department of Life and Health Sciences and University of Nicosia Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Kyriacos Felekkis

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Molecular Medicine Research Center, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Konstantinos Voskarides

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Kroustallaki, P., Gagos, S. (2015). Structure and Functions of Telomeres in Organismal Homeostasis and Disease. In: Felekkis, K., Voskarides, K. (eds) Genomic Elements in Health, Disease and Evolution. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3070-8_10

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