Starr
collaboration illuminates mysterious pathway to immortality in cancer cells
July 24,
2012
Cancer
cells are immortal because they circumvent failsafe mechanisms that stop
out-of-control cell proliferation. One of these mechanisms – the progressive
shortening of chromosomes – is prevented by replenishment of telomeres, the
protective elements at the ends of chromosomes. Most cancer cells do this with
an enzyme called telomerase, but approximately 10 to 15 percent of human
cancers use a different pathway called ALT (alternative lengthening of
telomeres). Whether or not a tumor has ALT makes a difference. For example,
people with glioblastoma live twice as long if the tumor uses ALT.
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