Telomerase - a small but incredibly powerful enzyme that is at the center of research into extending lifespan. It protects our telomeres, the delicate end caps of chromosomes that play a key role in cell division and the ageing process. Telomerase has the potential to slow down the ageing process and improve quality of life. But how exactly does this enzyme work and what scientific findings prove its importance?

What are telomeres and why are they important?

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of each chromosome in our cells. These structures prevent the chromosomes from being damaged during cell division. During life, the telomeres shorten with each cell division, as not all of the genetic material is copied when the DNA is replicated. This shortening process is considered a natural part of the ageing process and leads to cells no longer functioning properly over time and dying.

If the telomeres are too short, the cell can no longer divide properly and dies or becomes non-functional. This process contributes to the development of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The speed at which telomeres shorten therefore has a significant influence on a person's lifespan and health.

The role of telomerase

Telomerase is an enzyme that is able to repair and lengthen telomeres. It is like a kind of "telomere restoration team" that ensures that cells remain healthy for longer and that cell division is not disrupted. The discovery of telomerase was made in 1985 by biologist Elizabeth Blackburn and her colleagues, who later received the Nobel Prize for their work in this field.

Telomerase can stop or even reverse the natural loss of telomeres. While telomerase is only present in very small quantities in most body cells, it is present in larger quantities in certain cells such as germ cells (egg cells and sperm) and stem cells. Telomerase is also active in many cancer cells to promote uncontrolled cell growth. However, this is one of the paradoxical properties of the enzyme: it has both health-promoting and potentially harmful properties.

Telomerase and the ageing process

The activation of telomerase is considered a promising approach to combat the ageing process. Scientific studies have shown that lengthening telomeres can significantly extend the lifespan of cells and organisms. One such study showed in animal experiments that mice with activated telomerase exhibited improved cell function and a longer life expectancy.

However, humans only have a small amount of telomerase in their cells. It is therefore a major challenge to specifically increase the activity of this enzyme. Current research is aimed at finding ways to reactivate telomerase in the cells in order to delay or even reverse natural ageing.

How can the activity of telomerase be promoted?

Some scientific studies have shown that there are certain behaviors and food components that can promote telomerase activity:

1. diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, chia seeds and walnuts, are crucial for promoting telomerase activity. They help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with telomere shortening. Vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid are also known to support telomere health. Of particular interest is that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, protects telomeres and delays their shortening.

2. sport: Physical activity also has a positive influence on telomerase activity. Studies have shown that regular exercise, especially endurance sports such as running or swimming, protects telomeres and reduces the risk of age-related diseases. People who exercise regularly have been shown to have longer telomeres than people who do not exercise.

3. stress management: Chronic stress can shorten telomeres more quickly. High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, have been shown to have a negative impact on telomere length. Mindfulness, meditation and a balanced lifestyle are therefore not only good for mental health, but also for protecting telomeres.

4. specific supplements: some supplements such as astragalus, an herbal remedy, and certain enzymes are being studied to stimulate telomerase activity. While some studies are promising, it is important to emphasize that the long-term effects and exact impact of these substances on telomeres need to be further researched.

Certain vitamins also lengthen your telomeres and therefore your life, because they are essential for the body's own synthesis of the superenzyme. Here are the complete instructions for a long and healthy life:

- Vitamin D lengthens telomeres (Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 86).

- Vitamin C prolongs telomeres (Lif Sci 1998; 63).

- Vitamin E prolongs telomeres (J Cell Biochem 2007; 102).

- Folic acid prolongs telomeres (J Nutr 2009; 139).

- Multivitamins lengthen telomeres (Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 89).

Scientific studies and perspectives

An interesting study published in 2013 in *The Lancet Oncology* showed that telomerase can play a dual role in cancer patients. While telomerase can lengthen telomeres in healthy cells and prevent them from ageing, it often becomes overactive in cancer cells, which favors their uncontrolled growth. This represents one of the greatest challenges of telomerase therapy: Balancing the curative and potentially dangerous properties of this enzyme.

Despite these risks, progress in telomerase research shows promising prospects. Scientists are confident that in the future they will develop targeted therapies that promote the positive aspects of telomerase without increasing the risk of cancer development.

A look into the future

Telomerase plays a crucial role in the ageing process and has the potential to extend the lifespan of cells and therefore also of humans. Although research on this topic is still in its infancy, the results so far are promising. Through a healthy diet, regular exercise and stress management, we can naturally support the activity of telomerase and thus promote our body's cellular health. While targeted therapy to extend lifespan is still in its infancy, telomerase could play a key role in future medical and scientific work to combat ageing.