Antioxidant γ-Tocotrienol and CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated TERT Disruption in Aging and Disease Prevention
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Telomere shortening is a hallmark of cellular aging and a contributing factor to age-related diseases. This study explores both biochemical and genetic strategies aimed at preserving telomere length and telomerase activity. Specifically, the protective effects of γ-tocotrienol—a potent antioxidant in the vitamin E family—were investigated using human dermal fibroblasts from different age groups under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results showed that pretreatment with γ-tocotrienol significantly protected telomeres and maintained telomerase activity, particularly in middle-aged and elderly cells, though this effect was dose-dependent. Additionally, nutritional factors such as collagen were reviewed, revealing gender-specific correlations between dietary intake and telomere length. On the genetic front, CRISPR-Cas9 technology was utilized to disrupt the TERT gene in various cancer cell lines, highlighting its potential as a tool for telomerase inhibition and functional imaging. These findings suggest that combining antioxidant therapy with gene-editing approaches may offer synergistic benefits for delaying aging and preventing telomere-related degeneration. Future research should aim to optimize treatment protocols and assess long-term safety and efficacy in clinical models.
Source: Theoretical and Natural Science
Author: Hao Gong
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4413181759