PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Olbertova, Helena
AU  - Plevova, Karla
AU  - Stranska, Kamila
AU  - Pospisilova, Sarka
TI  - Telomere dynamics in adult hematological malignancies
DP  - 2019 Feb 18
TA  - Biomedical papers
PG  - 1--7
VI  - 163
IP  - 1
AID - 10.5507/bp.2018.084
IS  - 12138118
AB  - Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences protecting physical ends of linear chromosomes against degradation and end-to-end chromosomal fusion. Telomeres shorten with each cell division, which regulates the cellular lifespan in somatic cells and limits their renewal capacity. Cancer cells are often able to overcome this physiological barrier and become immortal with unlimited replicative capacity. In this review, we present current knowledge on the role of telomeres in human aging with a focus on their behavior in hematological malignancies of adults. Associations of telomere length to age-related diseases and to the prevention of telomere shortening are also discussed.