Emerging telomere research has positioned nucleotides, the 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. In particular the important role that nucleotides play in preventing the degradation of telomeres.

A paper published in 2019 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, found that inhibited nucleotide synthesis in senescent human mammary epithelial cells and reduced nucleotide synthesis plays a causative role in the degradation of telomeres and the induction of senescence; and eventual cell death (1).

They 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.”

A recently published paper by a collaborative team from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, the Universities of Vienna, Glasgow and Strasbourg, has 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 (2).

The research describes the process through which glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol in particular) inhibits telomerase activity in human cells.

Swiss scientist and nucleotide pioneer, Peter Köppel PhD 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 nucleotide formulas containing balanced nucleotides to complement modern diets.