Markers of cellular senescence. Telomere shortening as a marker of cellular senescence.

The cellular senescence definition comes to the fact of cells irreversible proliferation disability. Besides the cell cycle arrest, senescent cells go through some morphological, biochemical, and functional changes which are the signs of cellular senescence. The senescent cells (including replicative senescence and stress-induced premature senescence) of all the tissues look alike.

Telomere shortening is a sole mechanism of aging in mammals.

We adduce proof that telomere shortening is the sole mechanism of aging. All apparent contradictions, particularly the absence of an inverse correlation between residual telomere length and donor age, are explained within the bounds of telomere theory. We explain in what way telomere shortening might be the cause of aging and lifespan restriction.