Geron Corp (GERN)

[totallysuite_dude]

MSN Nine News

Enzyme has power to 'save and kill'
Tuesday Aug 1 16:20 AEST
A special Jekyll-and-Hyde-like enzyme found in the body holds the key to long life but also has the power to kill, a conference will be told.

The enzyme - a so-called molecular fossil known as telomerase - was discovered during the 1980s by former Melbourne researcher Professor Elizabeth Blackburn.

It was known to be overactive in more than 80 per cent of cancers.

But Prof Blackburn, now at the University of California, will tell the International Congress of Human Genetics in Brisbane that the enzyme is also linked to heart disease.

Telomerase levels control the fine balance between ageing and immortality, with a controlled balance essential for cells to replace themselves.

"Without telomerase, chromosome ends dwindle away as cells divide, and this shortening of chromosomes contributes to the wear and tear of age," Prof Blackburn said.

She said recent clinical and experimental observations suggest a link between the enzyme and diseases of ageing like heart disease.

"If we could reactivate telomerase function in ageing cells, we may be able to slow down the ageing process by repairing damaged tissues and organs," she said.

But telomerase is the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of cells.

It can help us live longer, but too much of it in the wrong cells is associated with cancer, Prof Blackburn said.

She said developing new drugs that interfere with telomerase in tumours may be an effective way of fighting cancer.

The scientist is expected to unveil details of her research program at the conference in Brisbane next week.
©AAP 2006SPONSORED LINKS
*********************
courtesy of prime3end. more great news.