Telomerase Revolution by Michael Fossel

by Michael Fossel

Science is on the cusp of a revolutionary breakthrough. We now understand more about aging—and how to prevent and reverse it—than ever before.In recent years, our understanding of the nature of aging has grown exponentially, and dramatic life extension—even age reversal—has moved from science fiction to real possibility.Dr. Michael Fossel has been in the forefront of aging research for decades and is the author of the definitive textbook on human aging. In The Telomerase Revolution, he takes us on a detailed but highly accessible scientific journey, providing startling insights into the nature of human aging.On first examination, aging appears inevitable and straight-forward. Everything, after all, from mountains and galaxies, to plants and animals, ages, doesn’t it? Not exactly. With deeper consideration, aging turns out to be complex, and surprising questions aging something that happens within our cells or in the organism as a whole?Why do some cells age every time they reproduce, while others can reproduce indefinitely, without signs of aging?How close are we to being able to dramatically extend life-spans and cure age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and strokes?Instead of the common idea that “we accumulate damage, therefore we age,” the reality is the our cells age and so we begin to accumulate damage. The latest research shows so-called “ageless” cells contain “telomerase”—an enzyme that maintains telomeres and adds back segments lost during replication. Essentially, it is the telomere that controls how well our cells repair themselves over time.The Telomerase Revolution explains simply how we came to understand the ways aging and age-related diseases work, what we can do about them now, what we will be able to do to cure and prevent these diseases—and why we are now on the brink of a revolution in human medicine.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Biology, Health

Hardcover

First published September 15, 2015

Reviews

[Jacob Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Fossel, an expert on geriatrics and human aging, takes readers on a highly compelling adventure into the future of anti-aging therapies, which will center around the use of telomerase treatments. The volume explores such fundamental questions as how and why we age--and then, in lucid and riveting prose, explains precisely what today's cutting-edge researchers are doing to reverse the process. Written with compassion and a deep humanistic perspective, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of science or clinical medicine. Short of a crystal ball, this is the best look at the future of the species I have encountered. A darn fine book --Jacob M. Appel, MD

[ainisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Telomerase Revolution takes us on a detailed but highly accessible scientific journey about the nature of human aging.

What causes cells aging?

Well, basically, cells don't age because of the passage of time but cell divisions cause the cell to age.

So, the telomere theory of aging can now be put in one sentence:
Cells divide, telomeres shorten, gene expression changes, cellular repair and recycling slow down, errors slowly accumulate, and cells fail.

But, before that, what is telomere and its relationship with telomerase?

Telomeres are DNA structures at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomeres control cell aging is well-established.
Telomere shortening was not only correlated with cell aging, but that it actually caused cell aging. When telomerase was used to reset telomere length in an old cell to a length typical in a young cell, the old cell become indistinguishable from a young one.
Thus, changing in telomere length did not simply correlate with cell aging, they were responsible for cell aging, and they could be reset.
It was clear that young cells had long telomeres while old cells had shorter telomeres.

In the laboratory, resetting telomere length has been shown to reverse the age-related changes in human endothelial cells and tissues.

Telomerase therapy has been introduced to optimize the pattern of gene expression in order to overcome the telomere shortening, but it can't replace the genes.

Next question is does telomerase cause the big C (cancer)?
Does calorie restriction can stop or reset the aging process?
Can hormones ever slow, stop, or reverse aging?
Then, how about the free radicals in our cells, does it the culprit of cell aging, too?

It is a very interesting book to be read I will say in order for us to have a better understanding about our cellular organelles, their functions, and the cell metabolism. I really enjoyed reading this book because the facts delivered aren't very complicated to be comprehended.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a departure from the reviews I usually give, but given my background in genetics I was highly interested in this book. It was an eye opening and fascinating introduction and a thorough coverage of the background of the history of research in this particular topic. What started as many theories of aging have now come together and can be explained by the telomere, opening doors to future possible treatments and therapies for those looking to stop aging. This book is definitely recommended for anyone in the genetics, medical, and cell biology fields. It is a great read, simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to those with curious minds and no biology background.

[Jeff Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for more healthy years ...

Telomere extenders have been around for a decade and research is accelerating. Apparently all chronic diseases can be the traced back to aging induced by shortening telomeres.

[Donna Luu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative about telomeres and telomerase generally, but since telomerase activators aren't available, the author admits the standard advice still applies: eat a healthy diet, exercise, and meditate.

[Andromeda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought the book because the blurb claimed that it was a "definitive work on the latest science of human ageing" but I was disappointed to discover that other than some theoretical palaver there was nothing substantial in it to satiate the interest that it initially aroused in me.

But above all, what impelled me to give the work two stars was the book's atrocious binding: my book's pages came loose from the spine. Can you imagine the horror!! Now, I know how Great Britain lost its empire!!

Compared to this, "The Telomere Effect" by Drs Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel, is a better book in terms of the practical information that it contains.

[Wong Seng · Rating 5 out of 5]

"As the cell grow older, it still have to deal with the same damage it receive when it was younger, however the cell can no longer replicate as the telomere had been shorten"
"When you have a lot of resource, purchasing a new mobile phone every year is a better move, however when your resource is getting thin, it is better use the mobile phone till it is no longer function"
"a boat cross a river with rocky surface beneath it, the boat will still able to make it to the other side safety. however, as the water level decrease overtime, eventually the boat will strike the rock"

The above analogy were used through out the book to change our paradigm about aging as a disease. The book explain Telomerase revolution into 6 parts:

The 1st parts was the author explaining about telomerase and how telomere affect cell aging.
the 2nd part explained how investor did not get the idea and impact cause by aging and rather invest in a more profitable area such as cosmetic and skin care using telomerase.

The 3rd part was the most heavy and dry part, it explain in great detail all the age related disease and how the current methods has little success in providing a cure. And how re lengthen the telomere able to solve the root of the problem.

the 4th part was to provide some positive light which the 3rd part has pull the reader into a feeling of dread and hopelessness. by providing method to prevent the aging related disease such as meditation, good diets and exercise. But still end it by saying the method did not have high successful rate in prevent aging related disease.

the 5th part was the author provide current researched solution to lengthen the telomere and answer the difference between cancer cell ability to lengthen telomere and telomerase therapy

the 6th part was to answer some of the common question such as "what will happen when human being had a much longer life span"



overall this is an interesting book for a student studying biomedical engineering. Our cell had the capability to divide and repair our organ and tissue. however at a cost of reducing the length of the telomere which causes aging. I think most biotechnology or biomedical engineering student will have one question "if we lengthen the telomere will we solve the problem of aging?" this book will provide some insight to it.

[Uladzislau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книга о теломерной теории старения, а также возможности обратить старение вспять, путем восстановления теломерных концов хромосом с помощью активации специального фермента теломеразы. По словам автора, восстановление на хромосомах теломер "изменяет паттерны экспрессии генов", отчего клетка начинает омолаживаться потому как восстанавливается ее способность ремонтировать себя, утраченная вследствие укорочения теломер с каждым делением. А омоложение клеток ведет к омоложению организма. Несмотря на то, что этот тезис повторяется в книге раз сто (без особого преувеличения), но автор ни разу не утруждается объяснить, что собственно означает процесс "восстановления паттернов экспрессии генов" (мне-то понятно, но тем кому непонятно, понятно и не станет), и самое главное - почему укорочение теломер ведет к этим самым изменениям. То есть автор очень хорошим и доступным языком объясняет всё что только можно, притом делает это убедительно и с соответствующими ссылками, вот только ключевой вопрос - почему все-таки гены изменяют свою активность при изменении длины теломеры, несмотря на то, что это не более чем затычка на концах хромосом, так и остается непроясненным. Создается впечатление, что автор стремится создать некий резонанс в обществе, чтобы вернуть внимание к значительно потускневшей и не особо оправдавшей надежд теломерной теории старения. Кроме того автор возглавляет частную корпорацию, занимающуюся поисками фармацевтических препаратов, активирующих теломеразу, и сквозь строки видно, что он таким резонансом хочет повлиять на возможность привлечения финансирования к своим исследованиям.
Книга написано живо, занимательно, великолепно переведена, но вряд ли может быть рекомендовано тем, кто хотел бы ознакомиться со всеми аспектами теломерной теории старения. Она слишком ангажирована. Такое у меня сложилось мнение.

[Geetanjali Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This book was incredibly eye-opening and both depressing and hope-giving at the same time. "The Telomerase Revolution" describes the current theories of what causes aging, debunks several myths and
describes the role of telomeres in most aging-related diseases. Although at times the book uses more medical and scientific jargon than is palatable in a book aimed at a lay audience, the basic arguments and facts are easy to grasp. The detailed explanation of the havoc that aging can wreak on a person wasn't exactly pleasant to read. However, the optimism of the author in regard to slowing and even reversing many of these aging effects through the use of new medical breakthroughs felt contagious enough that by the end of the book I was feeling incredibly hopeful about the future of humanity's health. Some of the claims of the author felt like science fiction, but then we are living in a world where technology is upgrading so quickly that yesterday's science fiction is today's reality. And that is the point that the author makes as well - that some of the worst aging-related diseases that people suffer from could be curable in the next few decades.

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best book up to date about aging and thelomerase. I had read something before but this one is surely the best so far. The subject can be tricky and normally there has to be some sort of biological background, but the author is pretty clear and I didn't have any problem to understand. Plus I appreciate his attitude of "I'm not a miracle man" all along the book.

Probabilmente il miglior testo sull'argomento telomerasi che ho letto fino ad ora, e ne ho letto qualcuno. L'argomento puó essere "pericoloso" e soprattutto non é di facile divulgazione senza un background di studi biologici, ma 'autore é piuttosto chiaro e non ho avuto nessun problema a seguirlo, inoltre il suo atteggiamento teso a non rendere il tutto una sorta di miracolo l'ho apprezzato veramente tanto.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Phillip Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with many of the reviews so far that Doctor Fossel's The Telomerase Revolution is well written, easy to read and understand (even for someone not trained in genetics), and highly informative. I believe he successfully states his central thesis that "data consistently support this observation" that "changes in telomere length control cell aging." We all hope that with the "direct genetic delivery or telomerase activator, telomerase therapy promises to eradicate most age related human disease."

Doctor Fossel suggests in several places that consumers should beware of medical/health products and procedures that are over-hyped, promising more than they can deliver.The only reason I rated this book at less than five stars it that it does become "preachy" in the second part. It's a shame, because Doctor Fossel's over enthusiasm may turn off many readers
.

[Gio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Fossel is on a mission to eradicate age-related diseases, such as cancer, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's.

How? Telomere therapy. Telomeres are "caps" at the end of chromosomes (the molecules that carry your genetic information). Their job is to protect chromosomes. Problem is, every time a cell divides and replicates, the telemore gets a little bit shorter. Older people have much shorter telomeres than young people. Scientists now theorise that, if you can re-lenghten telomeres, you could potentially rejuvenated the body and prevent/slow down/eradicate age-related diseases (you can still die in accidents etc).

Most of this research is still in its infancy and it will take years before it is proven, let alone used in therapies for age-related diseases. Still, it's a very fascinating read about the next frontier in medicine. In the meantime, the usual advice still applies: eat healthy, exercise, meditate.

[David Emerson Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I'm unlucky to blast into space to lengthen my telomeres, I'll resort to earthly ways to stretch those "shoestring caps" on my DNA strands.

Aging slower - as in gaining a decade of extra life on this crazy planet - appeals to this baby BOOMER. By pursuing stamininety via "eat your age" diet, active lifestyle with endurance exercise, I better my chances to slow aging as a disease (Dr. Fodssel's term).
I like that!
Pearls for better aging are many. Highly recommended!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat short update on the state of this science. Background of Geron corporation. Promotion of Astralagus membranecus extract. Seem to agree with much of what he has to say. Perhaps our generation accepts telomeres aging theory with minimal proof. Very exciting none the less.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and well researched work on telomere and its role on lifespan, as well as how all chronic diseases are caused by aging induced shortening telomeres and the role of telomerase in mitigating it.

[Zjjohnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. I learned about DNA replication. Towards the end Fossel seemed to be stating a possibilities as facts, or near-facts. I'm not quite as optimistic as he is.
But, glad I read it.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 1st half is interesting and informative; the 2nd part is dull and sounds more like a lengthy ad for TA65

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful. Innovative. Grounded in science.

[Bryanoboyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful on aging and disease. The possibilities with telomerase are extremely exciting.

[Texjim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book details much of the support for the evolving hypothesis that aging related illnesses may be corrected all or in part by addressing their underlying cause, cellular aging due to truncation of genomic telomeres. The author suggests this is a white paper about the role of telomeres in aging specifically for the laymen. Telomeres are repeated sequences at the end of our chromosomes. Each time the cell divides the chain of telomeres shortens until eventually duplication and subsequent function of the chromosomal copy is compromised which leads to cellular dysfunction and eventually to the chronic diseases of aging. In this regard, it is a comprehensive overview of the topic but may in some cases, be a little beyond the reach of the average layman. He addresses the direct and indirect consequences of cellular aging one by one for the majority of the chronic diseases that largely await us all as we proceed through our later years e.g. heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's. He uses a variety of analogies to translate scientific theory into a context for the general public to comprehend. The best of these is that of the telomeres represent a deep slowly draining lake whose bottom is covered by dangerous rocks, shoals and snags. For the young, the bottom is far away and of little consequence. However, as one ages and the lake level gradually falls, one inexorably approaches the perils of the lake bottom. He details the latest evidence in support of the optimistic hypothesis that we are on the verge of a medical sea change in which molecular biology will be able to re-extend our declining telomeres. He suggest that at the least, this will result in a veritable disease free extension of life expectancy and at its most optimistic, a virtual resetting of our individual clocks back a decade or more. Whether either of these highly seductive concepts is true remains to be determined.

I am a scientist myself, so I am less able to judge the readability of the author's effort for the layman. I have taken the time to review some of the limited supporting scientific literature in human subjects and believe that most scientists would agree that the author's thesis is logical but that his conclusions are clearly premature. Since he attributes a wide variety of clinical conditions to the same underlying cause (telomere shortening), the read does at times become become a bit tedious and redundant. Although very interesting throughout, it took me two weeks to finish it off. It is a very positive and hopeful book which I would recommend to anyone who considers themselves medically or scientifically curious.

[Angie Reisetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Fossel covers all the basics of aging: how it works on the molecular level (and why the theories you've heard about aging are wrong), what it affects on the physiological level, and what could be different if we could slow it down, prevent it, or even reverse it. He tells us how telomerase has worked in laboratory settings, paints a picture of society without diseases associated with aging, and maintains a practitioner's focus on action rather than theory. I learned a lot about how aging happens and what exciting possibilities seem to be on our horizon.

Dr. Fessel is, without question, an unabashed optimist when it comes to those possibilities. He believes that the risks regarding cancer are negligible.. they have been, more or less so far. There's little mention of telomerase inhibitor resistace, and his listing of the possibilities for an improved planet and economy with major population changes are too rose-colored to have been the result of serious study. To be fair, he doesn't claim that as his area of expertise. But it seems there are lots of follow-up questions of ethics that will need to be dealt with as the Telomerase Revolution marches forward. I do agree with him, though, that to refuse to let telomerase research advance when we have the opportunity is also unethical. It's complicated, and we're at the beginning of the process. But this book will at least give people an opportunity to examine the changes at our threshold, ready to knock down the door.

I got a free copy of this from Net Galley.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Telomerase Revolution" explains the telomere theory of aging and how this knowledge may lead to prevention of age-related diseases. Overall, the author was able to clearly explain scientific ideas at a level that the general public can understand. He's not trying to impress people with his knowledge but convey information that he's excited about.

He explained various ideas people have held about what causes aging, then he described the telomere theory of aging and addressed some common misconceptions. He dismisses claims that special foods, meditation, and such can reverse aging and described the only valid telomerase-based product that's currently available. He talked about recent research and attempts toward developing clinical interventions involving telomerase. I found these chapters very interesting and informative.

He described the telomere view of diseases caused by the direct aging of various systems (like the immune system, muscles, skin, etc.) and diseases caused by indirect aging damage (atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, then Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease). A basic knowledge of physiology is helpful with these "aging" chapters. He ended by explaining the latest efforts toward developing telomerase-based therapies and what people can do until these become more effective and available.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Spencer Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Telomerase Revolution by Michael Fossel is an excellent, passionate update on the progress and benefits of telomerase as a likely cure for aging and its related diseases. Many chapters are devoted to understanding the body's systems that deteriorate with age and the killers such as cancer and Alzheimers that expose themselves once age has settled in. With all the evidence presented and understood in the scientific community about telomeres and the expression of telomerase for the youthfulness of our cells, it's amazing that so little is being done to advance the work into the clinic, save for a few pioneers, committed researchers, and experimentalists. Theories are suggested as to why a Manhattan Project type of effort hasn't already begun. Disbelief? Too many Ponce de Leon's who cried wolf? Maybe the cause of aging is beholden to the power of entrenched industry, such as pharmaceutical companies that gain more from selling pills to treat symptoms rather than supporting underlying cures. For the sake of all of our health and long lives, a grassroots revolution may be what's needed to achieve dramatic life extension. If the Telomerase Revolution is the source of truth, then what are we waiting for, and what can we each do today? Highly recommended.

[Enrique Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learnt a lot about Telemeters and telomerases, which are tiny structures at the edges of our DNA that hold the chromosomes together. It is believed these structures will be key to our understanding of aging as telomeres get shorter with each subsequent DNA replication in our cells. As they shorter, each subsequent division is not an exact replica of the DNA parent, and mutations occur. It is believed that many deceases spring from this phenomenon.

It was very informative and learnt quite a bit about molecular biology. However, that is all it was. There was no guideline to what to do to avoid the shortening of telomeres. In another book I read that "caloric restriction" or "intermittent fasting" is the only proven way to extend biological life and prevent a wide range of deseases. It may have something to do with telomerers (not covered here) but probably everything to do with mitochondria organelles in the cell (this author does not believe in the mitochondria theory of aging).

That is why I gave it a 4 star rating. But the author writes very clearly for the non science reader so it is worth the read.

[Zora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating information overall. But I kind of lost interest in the last chapter, particularly the section "Compassion and Human Life", which I found a *little* too touchy-feely and philosophical, and ended up skimming. 3.5 stars.

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! The author takes us on a big adventure explaining all the aspects of aging, from what happens to our cells as they age to what extending our lifespan will mean to various social structures. It was written in an easy to understand way (considering what the topic is) with a bit of humor on the side. This is such an exciting time to be alive. The events in just this millennium are awesome when compared to the happenings in the previous 16 years.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book made a very interesting case for more research into the use of telomerase therapy. While it emphasized that it's not a panacea, it pointed out myriad possibilities for an increased quality of life for older people. The author used technical and medical terms, but it was still fairly accessible to a non-scientist like myself. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in science and the health issues of later life. (I received this in a goodreads giveaway.)

[Dav · Rating 4 out of 5]

The clinical descriptions of the mechanics and results of cellular aging were about the most viscerally terrifying things I've ever read. Luckily, the book also makes a compelling case that there is a decent chance many under ~40 now may never experience the acute effects themselves. Short book, well worth the read.

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was extremely interesting, it is centered around explaining how the process of aging occurs and different theories revolving around slowing or possibly reversing the aging process. I really enjoy non fiction books and this one had a lot of cool information and it was made fairly easy to understand.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of the book from GoodReads.

I was intimidated at first when I thumbed through this book. Once I began reading, it was extremely interesting without being over my head with scientific data and terminology.