Telomerase is an essential enzyme that plays an important role for the integrity of DNA and specifically in areas at the edge of chromosomes that are called telomeres.

In order for the cells to sustain the integrity of DNA during each replication, a specialised enzyme called telomerase sustains the edges of DNA strands in each chromosome delaying the overall process of DNA loss. Telomerase has been a target for therapeutic interventions for several decades, as its regulation is associated with numerous diseases. Environmental and lifestyle factors seem to contribute to telomerases activity. Reduced telomerase activity may explain why telomeres shorten faster in pathological conditions. More precisely, telomerase overexpression is related to cancer development, whereas telomerase inhibition is combined with age-related diseases. Hence telomerase activity can be a useful real life risk simulation biomarker.