Telomere shortening represents one of the basic aspects of ageing and telomere dysfunction could contribute to the accumulation of DNA damage during ageing. This book summarizes evidence and data indicating that telomere dysfunction influences human ageing, diseases and cancer. The book describes our current knowledge on checkpoints that limit cellular lifespan and survival in response to telomere dysfunction. There is special focus on adult stem cells.

Telomere Shortening and Ageing

Cellular versus Organismal Aging
Telomere-Induced Senescence of Primary Cells
Telomeres, Senescence, Oxidative Stress, and Heterogeneity
Initiation of Genomic Instability, Cellular Senescence, and Organismal Aging by Dysfunctional Telomeres
Telomerase Mutations and Premature Ageing in Humans
Telomerase, Telomeres, and Stem Cell Aging
Mechanisms of Stem Cell Ageing
Senescence Signatures of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Telomere Shortening Induces Cell Intrinsic Checkpoints and Environmental Alterations Limiting Adult Stem Cell Function
p16INK4a and Stem Cell Ageing: A Telomere-Independent Process?
Telomerase as a Potential Regulator of Tissue Progenitor Cells
Telomeres, DNA Damage and Cancer
Telomere Shortening and Telomerase Activation during Cancer Formation
Telomere Binding Proteins and Disease
Therapeutic Targets
Targeting Telomerase: Therapeutic Options for Cancer Treatment
Werner Syndrome, Telomeres, and Stress Signaling: Implications for Future Therapies?.