What condition is characterized by accelerated aging due to defective telomeres?

Werner's syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging, primarily due to defects in the genes responsible for maintaining the integrity of telomeres—specific structures at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration. In individuals with Werner's syndrome, these telomeres shorten prematurely, leading to cellular senescence and age-related diseases that are typically observed in older populations, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and various types of cancer.

The underlying mechanism involves the mutation of the WRN gene, which plays a crucial role in DNA repair and maintenance, further contributing to the accelerated aging phenotype. As a result, individuals with this condition exhibit signs of aging much earlier than the general population, which aligns with the descriptions and characteristics of the disorder.

Other conditions listed do not primarily involve the accelerated aging aspect due to defective telomeres; for example, cancer is often associated with uncontrolled cell growth rather than normal aging, while Down syndrome and Marfan syndrome involve different genetic and developmental pathways unrelated to telomere dysfunction.