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CNIO researchers treat heart attacks with new gene therapy based on telomerase enzyme

Researchers at CNIO have developed a gene therapy that reactivates the telomerase gene only in the heart of adult mice, resulting in increased survival rates and regeneration of cardiomyocytes. This study provides proof-of-concept for treating chronic and acute heart failure and opens new avenues for age-related diseases.

Gene mutation immortalizes malignant melanoma

Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2013

Scientists capture single cancer molecules at work

Researchers have visualized telomerase molecules in living cells using advanced microscopy techniques, revealing that they cluster on specific telomeres and elongate them during cell division. This breakthrough provides new insights into the regulation of telomerase activity, a key factor in cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 8, 2011

New 3-D model of RNA 'core domain' of enzyme telomerase may offer clues to cancer, aging

Researchers at UCLA have created a three-dimensional structural model of the RNA core domain of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cancer cell immortality. The new model provides insights into how telomerase functions and could lead to new approaches for treating diseases associated with telomerase activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2010

Also in the March 24 JNCI

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) induces telomerase expression in both normal and malignant human cells, stimulating cell proliferation and immortalization. Additionally, a dietary supplement containing selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene reduces gastric cancer and overall mortality in individuals taking the supplements.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 24, 2009

Immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have prematurely aged chromosomes

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble turning on the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, leading to premature aging. This finding suggests that restoring defective telomerase could help 'reset' the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2009

UGA researchers discover mechanism that explains how cancer enzyme winds up on ends of chromosomes

Researchers at UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences have identified a mechanism that explains how telomerase enzymes are recruited to chromosome ends in cancer cells. The study highlights the potential for targeting telomerase as a means to stop cancers from spreading, providing new avenues for investigation into cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJul 10, 2008

Blame our evolutionary risk of cancer on body mass

Scientists discovered that higher body mass, not lifespan, increases the risk of cancer due to telomerase expression. Rodents from various species showed a correlation between body size and telomerase activity, while human's don't express it in somatic cells, suggesting evolution prioritized cancer prevention over healing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAging Cell·DateDec 6, 2006

Tissue engineering technique does not cause tumor growth

Researchers have successfully used a gene therapy approach to deliver telomerase, an enzyme that lengthens cell lifespan, without causing tumors in human patients. The technique allows for the growth of blood vessels in patients with vascular disease, offering new treatment options.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2006

A little telomerase isn't enough

Researchers found that mice with half the normal amount of telomerase can't maintain their stem cells' chromosome ends, leading to early demise. The study suggests that inherited disease may be caused by inherited telomere length, not the status of the telomerase gene.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2005