Telomere Dynamics
Telomerase extension, t-loop protection, and the Hayflick limit
Simulation Controls
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Erosion/division:
150
bp
Cell State
Divisions:
0
Telomere length:
10000
bp
Length:
Telomerase:
OFF
State:
Healthy
Hayflick limit:
~50
divisions
Biology
Telomeres: TTAGGG repeats
End-replication problem:
lagging strand loses ~50-200bp
t-loop: G-overhang invades
duplex → protects end
Shelterin: TRF1/2, POT1,
RAP1, TIN2, TPP1
<5kb → p53/RB senescence
Telomerase: TERT + TERC