Guest guest Posted May 8, 2006 Report Share Posted May 8, 2006 Hi folks: We have previously discussed the possible implications of the ability of telomerase to make human cells 'immortal' - which has implications for both cancer and aging. Here is some more information about telomerase: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4698264.stm And let's hope this post gets through to the board this time! UGH. Rodney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2006 Report Share Posted May 8, 2006 Hi folks: What I do not follow from this article is this passage: " However, cancer cells find a way to turn telomerase back on - triggering uncontrolled cell division. " Why would restoring the length of the telomeres " trigger uncontrolled cell division " ? My understanding is that Geron is already selling cells that are 'immortal' by virtue of their their gene for telomerase, to interested parties in the cosmetics industry. And it is not my understanding that these are cancer cells. As was demonstrated (with great clarity filmed through a microscope) on Scientific American Frontiers (Alan Alda) a couple of years ago, the presence of telomerase, by means of its restoration of telomere length, can restore a thoroughly bedraggled 80-year old human cell to the appearance of a 25-year old cell. This has obvious implications for aging. But no mention was made that it had been transformed at the same time into a cancer cell. And one would have thought that if that had been the case it would have been material enough information to mention it! If anyone understands this well enough to explain it in words of not more than six syllables it would be much appreciated. Rodney. --- In , " Rodney " <perspect1111@...> wrote: > > Hi folks: > > We have previously discussed the possible implications of the ability > of telomerase to make human cells 'immortal' - which has implications > for both cancer and aging. > > Here is some more information about telomerase: > > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4698264.stm > > And let's hope this post gets through to the board this time! UGH. > > Rodney. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2006 Report Share Posted May 8, 2006 Hi folks: What I do not follow from this article is this passage: " However, cancer cells find a way to turn telomerase back on - triggering uncontrolled cell division. " Why would restoring the length of the telomeres " trigger uncontrolled cell division " ? My understanding is that Geron is already selling cells that are 'immortal' by virtue of their their gene for telomerase, to interested parties in the cosmetics industry. And it is not my understanding that these are cancer cells. As was demonstrated (with great clarity filmed through a microscope) on Scientific American Frontiers (Alan Alda) a couple of years ago, the presence of telomerase, by means of its restoration of telomere length, can restore a thoroughly bedraggled 80-year old human cell to the appearance of a 25-year old cell. This has obvious implications for aging. But no mention was made that it had been transformed at the same time into a cancer cell. And one would have thought that if that had been the case it would have been material enough information to mention it! If anyone understands this well enough to explain it in words of not more than six syllables it would be much appreciated. Rodney. --- In , " Rodney " <perspect1111@...> wrote: > > Hi folks: > > We have previously discussed the possible implications of the ability > of telomerase to make human cells 'immortal' - which has implications > for both cancer and aging. > > Here is some more information about telomerase: > > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4698264.stm > > And let's hope this post gets through to the board this time! UGH. > > Rodney. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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