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TERT and Telomere Health: What Your rs2242652 Genotype Means for Aging and Wellness

Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten each time a cell divides. Over time telomere shortening contributes to cellular aging and is associated with higher risk of age related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and some autoimmune diseases. The TERT gene encodes an essential component of telomerase, the enzyme that can add DNA back onto telomeres to slow or stabilize shortening. Variations in TERT can influence how well telomerase works and therefore affect the rate of telomere shortening.

What rs2242652 in TERT tells you

The single nucleotide variant rs2242652 in the TERT gene is associated with differences in telomerase activity. Your genotype at this position may indicate typical telomerase function or a likely reduction in telomerase activity. Reduced telomerase activity is linked to faster telomere shortening and an increased lifetime risk for some chronic conditions. Regardless of genotype, lifestyle choices play a major role in supporting telomere and overall cellular health.

Genetic interpretation

2 effect alleles — AA (decreased telomerase activity)

If you have the AA genotype for rs2242652 you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variant is associated with decreased telomerase activity. Lower telomerase activity may allow telomeres to shorten more quickly over time, which can increase risk for age related conditions including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer disease, and some autoimmune disorders.

Actionable considerations

  • Adopt a plant focused, nutrient dense diet rich in antioxidants. Prioritize colorful vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish.
  • Get regular physical activity. Aim for a mix of aerobic exercise and resistance training most days of the week. Exercise supports cellular repair processes and can help preserve telomere length.
  • Manage stress with consistent practices. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, cognitive behavioral techniques, and social support are associated with better markers of cellular aging.
  • Prioritize sleep quality. Aim for consistent sleep timing and 7 to 9 hours per night when possible. Good sleep helps DNA repair and cellular maintenance.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol. Both accelerate biological aging and negatively affect telomere length.
  • Consider antioxidant supplements only after discussing with your healthcare provider. Common options include vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, and curcumin. Supplement needs vary by individual and can interact with medications.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to monitor cardiovascular risk factors and manage blood pressure, lipids, blood sugar, and inflammation.
1 effect allele — AG (likely decreased telomerase activity)

If you have the AG genotype for rs2242652 you carry one copy of the effect allele. This pattern is associated with likely decreased telomerase activity, which may lead to more rapid telomere shortening compared with non carriers. That trend is associated with higher risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease.

Actionable considerations

  • Focus on a diet high in antioxidants and anti inflammatory foods. Include plenty of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, colorful fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Limit highly processed foods and added sugars.
  • Maintain regular physical activity. Both moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance training support cellular health and metabolic function.
  • Build a stress reduction routine. Short daily practices like deep breathing or brief guided meditation can be very effective when practiced consistently.
  • Protect sleep health by practicing good sleep hygiene and addressing sleep disorders with a clinician when present.
  • Avoid tobacco and reduce heavy alcohol use. These exposures accelerate telomere shortening and increase disease risk.
  • Discuss targeted supplements with your clinician. Antioxidant support and omega 3 fatty acids are commonly considered, but need to be individualized.
  • Regularly screen and manage cardiovascular risk factors and chronic inflammation with your healthcare team.
0 effect alleles — GG (typical telomerase activity)

If you have the GG genotype for rs2242652 you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This genotype is associated with expected telomerase activity and typical telomere maintenance. Your genetic profile indicates standard cellular aging processes without the accelerated telomere shortening that can be linked to certain TERT variants.

Actionable considerations

  • Even with typical telomerase activity you benefit from lifestyle strategies that support cellular and cardiovascular health. Follow a nutrient dense, predominantly plant based diet rich in antioxidants.
  • Keep up regular physical activity that includes both aerobic work and strength training to maintain metabolic and muscular health.
  • Integrate consistent stress management and sleep practices to support long term resilience.
  • Maintain routine preventive care and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and inflammation markers with your healthcare provider.
  • Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol. Healthy daily habits help preserve telomere length and reduce risk of chronic disease.

Diet, supplements, and lifestyle — practical guidance

Small daily choices add up. Below are practical steps that support telomere maintenance and healthy aging across genotypes.

  • Diet: Center meals on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, and omega 3 fats. Limit processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and excessive saturated fat.
  • Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus two sessions per week of resistance training. Add flexibility and balance work as you age.
  • Stress management: Practice daily stress reduction. Even 10 to 20 minutes of mindfulness, breathing exercises, or light yoga can help reduce physiological stress.
  • Sleep: Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Create a dark, cool sleep environment, and avoid screens close to bedtime.
  • Smoking and alcohol: Do not smoke. If you drink alcohol, follow recommended limits and avoid heavy or binge drinking.
  • Supplements: Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements. Common considerations are omega 3 fish oil for inflammation, vitamin D if deficient, and antioxidant support such as vitamin C or E where appropriate. Dose and need should be individualized.
  • Medical screening: Work with your clinician to assess and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, and inflammatory markers. Early management of risk factors reduces long term disease risk.

Putting this information into context

Genetics is one piece of the health puzzle. An rs2242652 genotype associated with reduced telomerase activity may raise susceptibility to faster cellular aging but does not determine your destiny. Lifestyle, environment, medical care, and other genes all interact to shape health outcomes. The steps listed here are broadly beneficial and can help support telomere health regardless of your genotype.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you understand genetic predispositions related to TERT and telomere health. Always discuss genetic results, supplements, major diet changes, or new exercise plans with your healthcare provider before making decisions that affect your health.