As a key regulator, telomerase plays important roles in aging and tissue renewal and lifespan. It has been demonstrated that telomerase reactivation in adult or old mice can lead to tissue regeneration, delayed aging and significant lifespan extension. Therefore, modulation of telomerase activity in a precise manner has been received much attention. Here we develop a strategy using near infrared (NIR) modulation of telomerase activity based on gold nanocage@smart polymer system. By using this biocompatible design, cell migration, differentiation, cell senescence and cell cycle have been regulated. NIR-induced upregulation of telomerase can even protect cells from neurotoxic amyloid β induced cell death. This system has been used in vivo by taking advantages of NIR, such as good biocompatibility and tissues penetration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example for optical modulation of telomerase activity in living cells and tissues. In consideration of the important roles of telomerase in aging, cancer and hereditary disease, our work may inspire further application of multiple NIR-responsive control system for treatment of aging and related diseases.

中文翻译：

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通过近红外响应端粒酶活性调节细胞命运

作为关键调节剂，端粒酶在衰老、组织更新和寿命方面发挥着重要作用。已经证明，成年或老年小鼠的端粒酶重新激活可导致组织再生、延缓衰老和显着延长寿命。因此，以精确的方式调节端粒酶活性受到了很多关注。在这里，我们开发了一种基于金纳米笼@智能聚合物系统使用近红外 (NIR) 调制端粒酶活性的策略。通过使用这种生物相容性设计，细胞迁移、分化、细胞衰老和细胞周期都得到了调控。NIR 诱导的端粒酶上调甚至可以保护细胞免受神经毒性淀粉样蛋白 β 诱导的细胞死亡。该系统利用近红外光谱的优点，如良好的生物相容性和组织渗透性，已被用于体内。据我们所知，这是对活细胞和组织中端粒酶活性进行光学调节的第一个例子。考虑到端粒酶在衰老、癌症和遗传性疾病中的重要作用，我们的工作可能会激发多重近红外响应控制系统在衰老和相关疾病治疗中的进一步应用。