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Telomeres are specialized DNA–protein structures that protect the ends of chromosomes to maintain their integrity. They are chromosome sentinels. This book, written by multiple authors, presents current knowledge and the most recent discoveries relating to telomeres. The first chapters describe telomere structures (DNA and proteins), organization, dynamics and replication in a range of organisms including ciliates, yeast and mammals. The following chapters cover mechanisms that maintain telomere length involving telomerase and Alternative Lengthening Telomeres (ALT) mechanisms. Interestingly, telomeres are transcribed into repetitive RNA called TERRA (Telomeric repeat-containing RNA), the state of the art regarding mammalian telomere transcripts is presented here. Two chapters are dedicated to the description of how telomere biology impacts the development of cancer and how their disfunctions induce telomeropathies (telomere biology disorders). Finally, the book ends with a chapter presenting telomere and telomerase targeting agents as potential anticancer agents, a promising therapeutic approach.

Timing, racing, combating, struggling and targeting are some actions through which cellular fate could be reflected and evaluated. Interaction between cell territory and environment occur during pre-embryonic, fetal development, and post-natal periods. What the researchers observe as the outcome of telomeres behavior is only the peak of an ice mountain within a stormy ocean. Cellular life depends on programmed behavior of telomeres, capable to surprise the cells. Telomeres provide an introduction to the history of our cells which govern the quality of life and status of health. Telomeres as the cooperative territory are capable of stabilizing the chromosomal territory. The status of telomeres reflects the key information, announcing the real age of individuals, and may be a valuable marker for prognosis and predicting cancer. Telomere territory is characterized with a multi-disciplinary manner. Therefore, this book is aimed to offer a wide range of chapters, hoping to be useful for diverse audiences, including hematologists-oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons, cancer researchers, and all the sectors who affect the macro- and micro- environmental domains. Finally, telomeres are sensitive, cooperative, and trustable targets. It is worth to state that ‘telomeres are messengers of NATURE', let's to know them as they are.

Adult stem cells are present in most postnatal tissues of mammals. Tissues with high rates of cell turnover depend on the functional capacity of stem cells for lifelong maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Adult stem cells are also required for the regeneration of tissues in response to injury as in, for example, the regeneration of skeletal muscle. In addition to its function in tissue homeostasis and regeneration, adult stem cells can represent the cell type of origin of various types of cancers including leukemia and colorectal cancer. Stem cells are the most long-lived cells in the proliferative compartment of mammalian tissues. Therefore, stem cells have an increased risk of acquiring mutations that could ultimately lead to the transformation of tissue stem cells. This publication presents the current knowledge in the field of stem cell aging, which was discussed at the Else Kröner-Fresenius Symposium on Advances in Stem Cell Aging in 2011. It will be of special interest to scientists working on stem cell research, aging, regeneration, and cancer as well as physicians and scientists specializing in geriatric medicine, internal medicine, and surgery.

Twenty-five years after the disclosure of the telomeric DNA sequence and 22 years after the discovery of telomerase, it has become clear that telomeres and telomerase influence disease of human ageing including cancer. This book summarizes our current knowledge on the role of telomeres and telomerase in ageing, regeneration, and cancer with a special focus on ageing stem cells. Moreover, the book reviews current ef forts to target telomeres and telomerase for anticancer treatment or reg- erative therapies. 1. 1 Ageing The molecular analysis of ageing is an emerging research field that will have great impact on patients care, lifestyle, and on disease prevention in the human population worldwide. Major molecular mechanisms that influence the ageing process include (1) the accumulation of molecular damage affecting DNA and p- teins, (2) alterations in gene expression, including alterations in checkpoint responses, metabolic pathways, and developmental pathways, and (3) the decline in adult stem cell function. All these mechanisms lead to a decrease in organ main- nance and function, thus representing a major factor limiting the quality of life d- ing ageing. Moreover, the accumulation of molecular damage increases genetic alterations and the cancer risk during ageing. Indeed, increased age is the leading cause of cancer. Understanding the molecular basis of ageing will ultimately point to targets for novel therapies aiming to improve the function of cells and organs in the ageing organism, thus allowing increased vitality or what we think of as “healthy ageing.