端粒足真核生物细胞染色体末端由重复的DNA序列蛋白质组成的特殊结构,能维持染色体的稳定和完整。端粒酶是由RNA和蛋白质组成的复合体,能以自身的RNA为模板,合成端粒序列。随着每一次细胞分裂,端粒逐渐缩短,但在活化的端粒酶的作用下,可维持相对稳定的长度,使细胞获得永生性。稳定的端粒和具有活性的端粒酶在细胞的衰老及肿瘤的发生中起着更重要的作用。以调节端粒酶为基础的基因治疗为抗肿瘤、抗衰老的研究开避出一条新途径。本文就端粒、端粒酶与衰老和肿瘤间关系的研究近况综述如下。 The specific structure of the telomere-rich eukaryotic cell at the end of chromosomes, consisting of repetitive DNA sequence proteins, maintains chromosome stability and integrity. Telomerase is a complex composed of RNA and protein and can synthesize telomere sequences using its own RNA as a template. As each cell divides, the telomere gradually shortens, but under the action of activated telomerase, a relatively stable length can be maintained, and the cell is immortalized. Stable telomeres and active telomerase play a more important role in cell senescence and tumorigenesis. Telomerase-based gene therapy is a new approach to anti-tumor and anti-aging research. This article summarizes recent research on the relationship between telomeres, telomerase, and aging and tumors.