Cancer, aging-related diseases and other illnesses are closely tied to an important enzyme called “telomerase.” UCLA researchers report in the journal Cell the deepest scientific understanding yet of this once-mysterious enzyme, whose catalytic core — where most of its activity occurs — can now be seen in near atomic resolution. “We’re now seeing not just… Continue reading The Mystery of the “Cancer Enzyme”
Tag: telomerase
Long-Sought Structure of Telomerase Paves the Way for New Drugs for Aging & Cancer
More than 30 years ago, when University of California, Berkeley researchers discovered telomerase – an enzyme that lengthens chromosome ends and prevents them from fraying enough to kill a cell – speculation ran wild about its role in aging and cancer, setting off a full-court press to produce drugs to activate or block the enzyme.… Continue reading Long-Sought Structure of Telomerase Paves the Way for New Drugs for Aging & Cancer
A New Finding on Telomeres
Researchers are drawing closer to a better understanding of the biology of telomeres, “caps” of DNA that protect the tips of chromosomes and play key roles in a number of health conditions, including cancer, inflammation and aging. The findings, by investigators from the University of Pittsburg, were published in the journal Nature Structural and Molecular… Continue reading A New Finding on Telomeres
Telomeres – A Key to Aging?
In each of the human body’s cells there are 23 chromosomes, which are twisted, double-strands of DNA molecules. Chromosomes are vital as they provide our singular genetic map to every cell within our body. Lucky for us, on the ends of each of our chromosome strands sits a protective cap called a telomere. This cap… Continue reading Telomeres – A Key to Aging?
Fighting a Deadly Enzyme
Scientists are drawing closer to understanding the structure of the enzyme telomerase, which plays a significant role in aging and most cancers. Investigators from UCLA and UC Berkeley have produced images of telomerase in much higher resolution than ever before, giving them major new insights about the enzyme. Their findings, published by the journalScience, could… Continue reading Fighting a Deadly Enzyme
A Cellular “Switch” That Could Battle Aging and Cancer
Scientists have found a new “switch” in cells that may be key to healthy aging. Cells are constantly dividing, replacing tissue in organs such as the lungs, skin and liver. But that process eventually stops when a “timekeeper,” called a telomere, becomes too short and thus prevents any further division. (Telomeres are found at the… Continue reading A Cellular “Switch” That Could Battle Aging and Cancer