5 ms·
In addition to the healthy, normal repair of telomeres in germ cells, they're also replenished in cancer cells. While probably not a sufficient condition for ca
by rflrob 10y ago
In addition to the healthy, normal repair of telomeres in germ cells, they're also replenished in cancer cells. While probably not a sufficient condition for cancer, it's almost a necessary one. So just over expressing telomerase everywhere in a blind fashion is likely to have some side effects in at least some people.
- reasonattlm 10y agoThere has been surprisingly little of cancer in mice with overexpression of telomerase. In fact mice with increased telomerase expression have less cancer, for reasons yet to be explored. Perhaps increased immune surveillance in old individuals, though that is pure speculation. Still, mice and humans have different telomere dynamics, and so it is wise - I think - to be wary of the cancer risk question. More testing of telomerase overexpression needs to be done in other mammals with more human-like telomere dynamics.
- raverbashing 10y agoInteresting So maybe the genes for reduction of telomerase have evolved because by (older individuals) dying the survival of newer individuals (who are offspring of those) is facilitated due to less competition for resources?
- maxerickson 10y agoGiving birth is dangerous. That probably underlies much of our lack of adaptation to longevity.
- raverbashing 10y agoCorrect, but it's not "that" dangerous, since maternal death usually means the offspring dies as well (in a natural setting, without help)