If you look at the laces of a new shoe, you will see that at their tips there is a kind of protective cap. That small piece of plastic prevents the laces from fraying easily and allows them to perform their function comfortably and effectively. However, with daily use and the passage of time, that protective plastic deteriorates, and the laces begin to unravel to the point that they lose their capability and functionality.
The same happens with telomeres and chromosomes. Telomeres would, in this case, be that piece of protective plastic, while chromosomes would be the shoelaces. Therefore, when telomeres stop performing their function, chromosomes become unprotected, leading to cellular aging and losing all their skills and abilities. In animal cloning processes, paying attention to the correct behavior of these elements is crucial for successful genetic replication.
What are telomeres? Why are they important?
Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures located at the ends of chromosomes and function as a biological clock. With each cell division, telomeres shorten in length, progressively losing their protective capacity and, therefore, causing cellular aging.
After numerous divisions and due to telomere wear, this cell loses its ability to divide, repair, or function properly. Consequently, it results in cell death, affecting tissue regeneration and contributing to the aging of the entire organism.
Besides the passage of time, other causes of cellular aging include senescence, accumulation of DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress.
Why are telomeres important in cloning?
From this explanation, we can conclude the paramount importance of telomeres in cloning processes.
When performing cloning, the genetic material from a somatic cell (a body cell that does not participate in reproduction) is used and fused with a previously enucleated (without nucleus) egg. However, somatic cells have already undergone multiple division cycles, so their telomeres are usually shorter compared to germ cells (eggs and sperm).
Initially, this led to the belief that clones could inherit short telomeres from birth, meaning accelerated cellular aging and a reduced life expectancy.
Longer-living and healthier clones: the evolution of technology
Nowadays, cloning techniques have advanced considerably. Subsequent studies in other cloned animals showed that some clones indeed restore their telomeres during cellular reprogramming, marking a milestone and significant progress in this field.
Thanks to improvements in somatic nuclear transfer methods, a more efficient reprogramming of somatic cell DNA has been achieved. This allows a more complete restoration of cellular functions, including telomere length, preventing premature cellular aging.
As a result of these scientific advances applied in the laboratory, modern clones show stronger health and life expectancy similar to naturally born animals. Therefore, since telomeres have been consciously modified in cloning processes, new individuals live longer and better, while reducing the likelihood of age-related diseases.
At Ovoclone, we apply the most advanced techniques to ensure the birth of healthy animals, supporting each birth with the highest standards of genetic quality. These advances translate into safety and viability for all clients seeking to clone their animal or pet.