Comparison of telomere length measurement methods. (5th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lai, Tsung-Po; Wright, Woodring E.; Shay, Jerry W.
• Is Part Of: Philosophical transactions. Volume 373:Number 1741(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03-05
• Subjects: Q-PCR -- Q-FISH -- TRF -- STELA -- TeSLA; Biology -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8436

Abstract

Abstract : The strengths and limitations of the major methods developed to measure telomere lengths (TLs) in cells and tissues are presented in this review. These include Q-PCR (Q uantitative P olymerase C hain R eaction), TRF (T erminal R estriction F ragment) analysis, a variety of Q-FISH (Q uantitative F luorescence I n S itu H ybridization) methods, STELA (S ingle TE lomere L ength A nalysis) and TeSLA (Te lomere S hortest L ength A ssay). For each method, we will cover information about validation studies, including reproducibility in independent laboratories, accuracy, reliability and sensitivity for measuring not only the average but also the shortest telomeres. There is substantial evidence that it is the shortest telomeres that trigger DNA damage responses leading to replicative senescence in mammals. However, the most commonly used TL measurement methods generally provide information on average or relative TL, but it is the shortest telomeres that leads to telomere dysfunction (identified by TIF, T elomere dysfunction I nduced F oci) and limit cell proliferation in the absence of a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as telomerase. As the length of the shortest telomeres is a key biomarker determining cell fate and the onset of senescence, a new technique (TeSLA) that provides quantitative information about all the shortest telomeres will be highlighted. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.