What is telomerase and what role does it play in aging?

Michael D. West, Ph.D. and CEO of AgeX Therapeutics, discusses why humans age. Dr. West notes that somatic cells primarily make up the human body and that those cells have a finite ability to replicate. As each cell divides, the DNA (or genetic blueprint for the cell) has to be copied. Each time this happens, the telomere at the end of each DNA strand is shortened. The telomere shortening acts as a clocking mechanism that causes cells in the body to have a finite lifespan which, in turns, causes humans to have a finite lifespan. This differs, Dr. West says, from our reproductive lineage cells which are passed on from generation to generation. These cells include telemorase (which is an immortalizing enzyme). Dr. West and other scientists are looking at how telomerase can be turned on in other cells in the body so that they too can be immortal. The goal being to not only extend human life, but to extend healthy human life. This video is part of a series from AgeX on research into aging and human longevity. For more information on Agex Therapeutics, please visit http://www.agexinc.com.