From cellular senescence towards age-related macular degeneration: the role of telomeres
Since the discovery, telomeres and telomerase have been extensively studied, at first, as a mechanism of cellular senescence, and then, as human health and disease indicators. Telomeres that protect chromosomal ends play a vital role in genomic stability by preserving information. This article reviews the results of early studies that later became the basis for further in-depth experiments. Studies that demonstrate the association between telomere shortening and the development of neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are addressed as well. In addition, authors discuss the mechanisms of cellular senescence as a result of telomere attrition. The understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in aging may provide innovative therapeutic and preventive strategies for AMD. This disease is the third leading cause of blindness in elderly patients after glaucoma and cataract. AMD is diagnosed by typical retinal lesions in persons over 50 years. The prevalence of dry and wet AMD varies among ethnic and racial groups worldwide. Various types, stages, and prevalence of the disease may be seen in the same age group. These findings demonstrate the need for a biomarker to monitor the process of aging underlying AMD as well as potential explanations for the differences in its course and outcomes.