Scientists unlock secrets of cancer-driving enzyme
May 8th, 2011 - 3:51 pm ICT by IANSWashington, May 8 (IANS) Researchers are helping unlock the cellular-level function of the telomerase enzyme which drives cancer growth, thus paving the way for improved cancer-fighting therapies.
The number of times a cell divides is determined by telomeres, protective caps on the ends of chromosomes (genes) that indicate cell age. Every time a cell divides, the telomeres shorten, the journal Molecular Cell reports.
When telomeres shrink to a certain length, the cell either dies or stops dividing. In cancer cells, the enzyme telomerase keeps rebuilding the telomeres, so the cell never receives the cue to stop dividing.
“It’s a significant advance in our understanding of how telomerase works,” said Woodring Wright, professor of cell biology and senior study author at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, according to a Texas statement.
Although telomerase was discovered in 1985, exactly how this enzyme repairs telomeres was largely unknown.
One drug that blocks telomerase, Imetelstat or GRN163L, was developed by the biotechnology company Geron with help from Wright and Jerry Shay, professor of cell biology.
That drug, tested at Southwestern, is currently in clinical trials for treatment of several types of cancer.
- Experimental lung cancer drug may help treat brain, prostate cancer - Jan 04, 2010
- 'All cancer cells are immortal' theory exposed as a myth - Apr 22, 2011
- Scientists unlock secret of eternal youth - Nov 29, 2010
- Chronic depression linked to accelerated immune cell aging - Apr 06, 2011
- Physical activity may prevent stress on telomeres - Apr 05, 2011
- Kids who face violence age faster - Apr 25, 2012
- Short DNA 'end-caps' linked to diabetes risk - Mar 25, 2011
- Novel test may speed up war against cancer - Nov 23, 2009
- Boffins find way to help cancer cells age and die - Jul 17, 2010
- Scientists unravel secret to a long life - Jul 18, 2011
- New DNA study may offer insights into several diseases - Jun 12, 2010
- Noble Prize for medicine shared by three - Oct 06, 2009
- Common weed may help shed light on aging, cancer - Oct 27, 2009
- Exercise 'has anti-ageing effect' - Jan 04, 2010
- Promising experimental drug against brain, prostate cancers - Jan 04, 2010
Tags: biotechnology company, cancer cells, cancer growth, cell biology, cellular level, chromosomes, clinical trials, enzyme telomerase, geron, grn163l, jerry shay, medical centre, paving the way, protective caps, study author, telomerase enzyme, telomeres, texas southwestern medical, types of cancer, woodring wright