Our DNA inside our cells makes it possible to create new cells by copying themselves. Thus, our wounds heal quickly, we grow, our structure improves. As our cells are destined to lose these abilities over time, we age and die.
There are protein coats called telomeres at both ends of our DNA. These telomeres shorten each time our cells divide, and after a point they lose their ability to protect DNA. After a point, DNA stops copying because it cannot protect itself. This is called cellular senescence. Even though the cells at this stage are no longer alive, they are called zombie cells because they have no function.
Aging isn’t the only reason for zombie cells
As we age, our telomere structures weaken and shorten. That’s why the replication of our DNA strands stops at one point. In their research, scientists examined whether there was another factor that could increase the number of zombie cells. In studies, it was revealed that cells with telomeres exposed to a different protein structure and damaged turn into zombie cells.
Accordingly, in addition to the harmful wastes that occur in our normal vital functions, factors such as air pollution and tobacco smoke cause a condition called oxidative stress in our body. Therefore, the process of telomere shortening accelerates. Therefore, cellular senescence occurs much earlier.
With the research, it has been revealed that telomeres are not only alarms that indicate that cells are dividing too much, but can also provide information about oxidative stress. The new studies will aim to clean or somehow reactivate the zombie cells. Thus, it will be possible to experience old age in a healthier way or to eliminate the effects of aging.
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