Abstract: Telomeres are specialized structures at the ends of chromosomes, composed of repetitive DNA sequences and associated proteins. Their primary role is to maintain chromosomal stability and integrity by preventing progressive loss of chromosome ends and unwanted chromosomal rearrangements. Changes in telomere length are closely linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer, aging, and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, measuring telomere length holds significant biological importance. Driven by technological advances, a diverse array of methods for telomere-length assessment has emerged, forming a rich technical landscape. Each method carries distinct advantages and limitations, making it suitable for particular research goals and application contexts. This review summarizes current findings on all major telomere-measurement techniques and offers recommendations for future technological development, emphasizing the potential of integrating innovative approaches to enhance disease diagnosis and treatment strategies, providing researchers and clinicians with a guide for selecting optimal methods and facilitating the translation of telomere biology into precise diagnostics and personalized therapies.
Key words: telomere length; detection methods; cellular senescence; biomarker; accurate diagnosis
（Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(6): 496-503）