Acute exercise leads to regulation of telomere-associated genes and microRNA expression in immune cells.

ABSTRACT: Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures that protect chromosomal ends from degradation. These structures progressively shorten during cellular division and can signal replicative senescence below a critical length. Telomere length is predominantly maintained by the enzyme telomerase. Significant decreases in telomere length and telomerase activity are associated with a host of chronic diseases; conversely their maintenance underpins the optimal function of the adaptive immune system. Habitual physical activity is associated with longer leukocyte telomere length; however, the precise mechanisms are unclear. Potential hypotheses include regulation of telomeric gene transcription and/or microRNAs (miRNAs). We investigated the acute exercise-induced response of telomeric genes and m

SUBMITTER: Chilton WL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3994003 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature