Emerging telomere research has positioned nucleotides, often-ignored, conditionally essential building blocks of life, at the heart of healthy ageing. The research reveals the crucial role played by nucleotides in slowing the ageing process through their action on telomeres, most notably their degradation.  

A paper published in 2019 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, found that two particular mechanisms, inhibited nucleotide synthesis in senescent human mammary epithelial cells and reduced nucleotide synthesis, play a causative role in the degradation of telomeres and the induction of senescence; and eventual cell death.
The authors concluded that by upregulating telomerase and maintaining a generous supply of nucleotides, the rate of senescence could be reduced.

Alireza Delfarah, lead author of the study, has drawn a link between nucleotides and keeping cells young;
“Senescent cells are effectively the opposite of stem cells, which have an unlimited potential for self-renewal or division. The production of nucleotides is essential to keep cells young. It also means that if we could prevent cells from losing nucleotide synthesis, they might age more slowly.”

Another recently published paper by a collaborative team from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, the Universities of Vienna, Glasgow and Strasbourg, found a connection between stress, telomeres and nucleotides. Although an animal study, it offers important, new evidence on the effects of nucleotide supplementation on telomere length. The research describes the process through which glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol in particular) inhibits telomerase activity in human cells. Forward thinking nutrition practitioners can now apply this knowledge directly to their clinical practice.

Join Swiss scientist and nucleotide pioneer, Peter Köppel PhD, as he shows how this new longevity research bolsters the DNA repair research he commissioned over a decade ago. This alongside human clinical trials enabled him to formulate unique nucleotide formulas containing a balanced range of naturally-derived nucleotides to complement modern diets.

Translating the science into practical clinical application, multidisciplinary scientist, Rob Verkerk PhD, delves into the overlooked role of dietary nucleotides, emphasising the conditions under which their dietary supply becomes not just beneficial, but essential, to health. Gain insights into approaches to the assessment of nucleotide requirement and status, and explore clinical approaches for maintaining and augmenting nucleotide pools in the body, directly impacting patient health across multiple domains, as well as ageing and reducing senescence.