Role of TERT in regulating mitochondrial oxidative stress in diseases

Oxidative stress is the result of imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant level. Mitochondria are important organelles regulating oxidative stress. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) not only in the nucleus to maintain telomerase activity and telomere length, but also reversibly transits to mitochondria. Improving the activity of oxidative respiratory chain of mitochondria to reduce the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and to activate GSH system as well as autophagy pathway to promote the clearance of mtROS are all important to down-regulate the level of mtROS, which will alleviate oxidative stress and damage and keep the REDOX balance of cells and the normal function of the body.