SIRT1 and cancer: Telomeres are complexes of repetitive DNA sequences and proteins that protect the end of the chromosome from degradation and fusion.[124] In humans, telomere shortening that occurs throughout the lifespan is associated with cancer,[125] cardiovascular diseases,[126] and increased mortality.[127] Another molecule, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), regulates various signaling pathways involved in metabolism, inflammation, cellular senescence, proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage.