Abstract:

Telomere is a special curved cap-like structure at the end of the linear chromosome of eukaryotic cells. It is a nuclear protein complex composed of DNA repeat sequences containing TTAGGG and telomere-binding proteins. Telomere length decreases correspondingly as normal human cells continue to mitosis. When telomeres reach a certain critical length, further cell division is prevented and cells will senile and die. Telomere length determines the number and life span of cell division and is a biomarker of cell senescence. It is controlled by genes and influenced by various external factors. Sleep is a necessary physiological process to maintain life and susceptible to senescence. In recent years, more and more studies have suggested that telomere length is associated with sleep and cell senescence. This article will review the related research in recent years at home and abroad, aiming at exploring the potential relationship between telomere length and sleep and cell senescence, and providing objective basis for promoting healthy sleep and delaying aging.

Key words: Telomere, Leukocytes, Sleep disorders, Cell aging, Review

摘要：

端粒系指真核细胞染色体末端的特殊弯曲帽状结构，是一种由包含 TTAGGG 的 DNA 重复序列和端粒结合蛋白构成的核蛋白复合物。正常人体细胞进行有丝分裂，端粒长度相应缩短，当达到一定临界值时即阻止细胞进一步分裂，导致细胞衰老、死亡。端粒长度决定细胞分裂次数和存活期，是细胞衰老的生物学标志物，端粒长度由基因调控并受各种外界因素的影响。睡眠是维持生命所必需的生理过程，易受衰老影响。目前端粒长度与睡眠和衰老关系的究颇受关注，对国内外相关研究进行综述，有助于了解端粒长度与睡眠和衰老的潜在联系。

关键词: 端粒, 白细胞, 睡眠障碍, 细胞衰老, 综述