Terahertz waves enhance telomerase activity and prolong cellular telomere length

Telomere dysfunction has been implicated in age-related degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. As telomeres progressively shorten with age, the loss of telomere integrity leads to chromosomal instability, cellular senescence, and impaired tissue regeneration. Although natural small molecule drugs have been explored to activate telomerase and improve telomere length, concerns regarding their potential adverse effects persist. Therefore, alternative approaches that can enhance telomerase activity and extend telomere length without the drawbacks of small molecule drugs are highly desirable. Through frequency screening and molecular dynamics simulations, we identified a terahertz (THz)^1–3 wave of 34.5 that significantly enhances telomerase activity by 20 %. Experimental analysis further confirmed that the activation of telomerase activity is attributed to the terahertz waves promoting the phosphorylation of telomerase. Long-term exposure to 34.5 THz wave effectively leads to a notable increase in cellular telomere length compared to the control group. Moreover, this terahertz modulation can reverse the detrimental effects of telomerase inhibitors, effectively attenuating cellular senescence and apoptosis, and facilitating DNA repair ⁴. Our findings demonstrate the potential of terahertz modulation as a non-pharmacological approach ⁵ to enhance telomerase activity and extend telomere length. The non-thermal effects of terahertz waves provide a safe and efficient means to promote telomerase phosphorylation and subsequently enhance telomerase activity in cells. The observed increase in telomere length offers promising prospects for mitigating age-related degenerative diseases and promoting tissue repair. Further investigation is necessary to explore the precise mechanisms underlying terahertz wave modulation and its long-term effects on cellular function.