Advances on telomere length in relation to sleep disorders and cell senescence

Abstract

Telomere is a special curved cap-like structure at the end of the linear chromosome of eukaryotic cells. It is a nuclear protein complex composed of DNA repeat sequences containing TTAGGG and telomere-binding proteins. Telomere length decreases correspondingly as normal human cells continue to mitosis. When telomeres reach a certain critical length, further cell division is prevented and cells will senile and die. Telomere length determines the number and life span of cell division and is a biomarker of cell senescence. It is controlled by genes and influenced by various external factors. Sleep is a necessary physiological process to maintain life and susceptible to senescence. In recent years, more and more studies have suggested that telomere length is associated with sleep and cell senescence. This article will review the related research in recent years at home and abroad, aiming at exploring the potential relationship between telomere length and sleep and cell senescence, and providing objective basis for promoting healthy sleep and delaying aging.

DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2019.10.016