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Volume 26
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Review

Exploring the Link Between Telomeres and Mitochondria: Mechanisms and Implications in Different Cell Types

by
Graziana Assalve
1,
Paola Lunetti
1,
Maria Santa Rocca
2,
Ilaria Cosci
3,
Andrea Di Nisio
4,
Alberto Ferlin
2,3,
Vincenzo Zara
1 and
Alessandra Ferramosca
1,*
1
Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
2
Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, I-35128 Padova, Italy
3
Department of Medicine, University of Padova, I-35128 Padova, Italy
4
Department of Wellbeing, Nutrition and Sport, Pegaso Telematic University, Centro Direzionale Isola F2, I-80143 Naples, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030993
Submission received: 24 December 2024 / Revised: 18 January 2025 / Accepted: 22 January 2025 / Published: 24 January 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial Metabolism Alterations in Health and Disease: 2nd Edition)
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Abstract

Telomeres protect chromosome ends from damage, but they shorten with each cell division due to the limitations of DNA replication and are further affected by oxidative stress. This shortening is a key feature of aging, and telomerase, an enzyme that extends telomeres, helps mitigate this process. Aging is also associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exacerbate cellular damage and promote apoptosis. Elevated ROS levels can damage telomeres by oxidizing guanine and disrupting their regulation. Conversely, telomere damage impacts mitochondrial function, and activation of telomerase has been shown to reverse this decline. A critical link between telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction is the DNA damage response, which activates the tumor suppressor protein p53, resulting in reduced mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic disruptions. This highlights the bidirectional relationship between telomere maintenance and mitochondrial function. This review explores the complex interactions between telomeres and mitochondria across various cell types, from fibroblasts to sperm cells, shedding light on the interconnected mechanisms underlying aging and cellular function.
Keywords: telomere; telomerase; mitochondria; reactive oxygen species (ROS); telomere length telomere; telomerase; mitochondria; reactive oxygen species (ROS); telomere length

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MDPI and ACS Style

Assalve, G.; Lunetti, P.; Rocca, M.S.; Cosci, I.; Di Nisio, A.; Ferlin, A.; Zara, V.; Ferramosca, A. Exploring the Link Between Telomeres and Mitochondria: Mechanisms and Implications in Different Cell Types. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030993

AMA Style

Assalve G, Lunetti P, Rocca MS, Cosci I, Di Nisio A, Ferlin A, Zara V, Ferramosca A. Exploring the Link Between Telomeres and Mitochondria: Mechanisms and Implications in Different Cell Types. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(3):993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030993

Chicago/Turabian Style

Assalve, Graziana, Paola Lunetti, Maria Santa Rocca, Ilaria Cosci, Andrea Di Nisio, Alberto Ferlin, Vincenzo Zara, and Alessandra Ferramosca. 2025. "Exploring the Link Between Telomeres and Mitochondria: Mechanisms and Implications in Different Cell Types" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 3: 993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030993

APA Style

Assalve, G., Lunetti, P., Rocca, M. S., Cosci, I., Di Nisio, A., Ferlin, A., Zara, V., & Ferramosca, A. (2025). Exploring the Link Between Telomeres and Mitochondria: Mechanisms and Implications in Different Cell Types. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(3), 993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030993

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