First-generation tert(-/-) zebrafish die prematurely with shorter telomeres. tert(-/-) fish develop degenerative phenotypes, including premature infertility, gastrointestinal atrophy, and sarcopenia. tert(-/-) mutants have impaired cell proliferation, accumulation of DNA damage markers, and a p53 response leading to early apoptosis, followed by accumulation of senescence cells. Apoptosis is primarily observed in the proliferative niche and germ cells. Cell proliferation, but not apoptosis, is rescued in tp53(-/-)tert(-/-) mutants, underscoring p53 as mediator of telomerase deficiency and consequent telomere instability [http://denigma.de/url/3p].
GenAge
GenDR
Comment on This Data Unit