Telomeres and cell homeostasis in aging

Cellular senescence is a cell fate characterized by an irreversible loss of proliferative capacity. The senescence phenotype is complex and involves dramatic alterations in multiple features of the cells’ biology. Importantly, senescent cells have been shown to secrete several proinflammatory factors, which are collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Accumulation of senescent cells increases during aging and is thought to contribute to tissue dysfunction. Telomere shortening and damage are recognized as the causes of cellular senescence. Here, we describe the role of telomeres during senescence, as well as some of the mechanisms contributing to telomere dysfunction during aging.