Abnormal telomeres in ICF syndrome

When telomeres do not function properly, they may shorten in an accelerated pace and this leads to premature senescence – the term coined for early aging of cells. A number of genetic diseases have been shown to display abnormal telomeric function. These diseases are named Telomeropathies. Human individuals with telomere dysfunction suffer from symptoms of early aging such as failure of the immune system, nail dystrophy, abnormal skin, lung and liver dysfunction, and more.