Elizabeth Blackburn is launching a commercial genetic test that measures DNA markers of ageing – what can we learn from it?
Your test measures telomere shortening, a marker of biological ageing. What can this tell us?
Telomeres are stretches of DNA at the ends of chromosomes that protect them against degradation.
Telomeres are stretches of DNA at the ends of chromosomes that protect them against degradation.
Checking your telomere length is a bit like weighing yourself: you get this single number which depends on a lot of factors. Telomere length gives a sense of your underlying health. We see telomere shortening in diseases of ageing - like heart disease and cancer.
What evidence is there to support health predictions based on telomere length?
In 2004, results from a study that I worked on with colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco, linked chronic stress to shortening of telomeres.
In 2004, results from a study that I worked on with colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco, linked chronic stress to shortening of telomeres.
Chronic stress is also associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Bone marrow failure is also associated with short telomeres. If a test showed you had telomere shortening, it would be a red flag suggesting you should take a look at possible risk factors.
Can people do anything to prevent telomere shortening?
It looks like you can, by changing your lifestyle. Observational studies show that exercise, nutritional supplements and reducing psychological stress can help. Chronic high stress and smoking can lead to accelerated telomere shortening.
It looks like you can, by changing your lifestyle. Observational studies show that exercise, nutritional supplements and reducing psychological stress can help. Chronic high stress and smoking can lead to accelerated telomere shortening.
What made you decide to help launch the company Telome Health, which is selling a test for telomere length?
There was a lot of interest from the research community and also from individuals. We had a cost-effective assay in our lab which we transferred to a company to provide as a service. We are running a study called "Know your telomeres".
There was a lot of interest from the research community and also from individuals. We had a cost-effective assay in our lab which we transferred to a company to provide as a service. We are running a study called "Know your telomeres".
The goal is to learn more about telomere length and other markers of ageing, how best to measure these markers, how they are related to health and lifestyle, and how people respond to learning their own telomere length results. People were pounding down the doors to enrol.
Is this another step on the road to commercialised personal genetic testing?
Right now, the company only offers the tests as a part of research studies. Tests for the public, through their physician, will go on sale later in the year, costing under $200.
Right now, the company only offers the tests as a part of research studies. Tests for the public, through their physician, will go on sale later in the year, costing under $200.
What exactly does the telomere test entail?
It is like a cholesterol test. We can take a measurement from blood samples, cheek swabs or saliva. Specifically, we measure the telomere length in white blood cells. Cells from the immune system act a bit like a report card, an indicator for all kinds of conditions.
It is like a cholesterol test. We can take a measurement from blood samples, cheek swabs or saliva. Specifically, we measure the telomere length in white blood cells. Cells from the immune system act a bit like a report card, an indicator for all kinds of conditions.
Have you made any lifestyle changes based on the results of your research?
I've learned a meditation technique. I exercise as often as I can. Walking is good too.
I've learned a meditation technique. I exercise as often as I can. Walking is good too.
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