Telomere Complexities

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A short note from the LEF News reminds us that dealing with telomeres and associated cellular biochemistry is a complex business. "Telomere shortening limits the regenerative capacity of cells during aging and chronic disease but at the same time inhibits tumor progression ... telomere shortening in [mice] in combination with chronic liver damage significantly reduced organismal survival even though telomere shortening strongly inhibited liver tumor formation. ... This study gives experimental evidence that the negative impact of telomere shortening on [regeneration and survival] can surpass the beneficial effects of telomere shortening on suppression of tumor growth in the setting of chronic organ damage." We have this balance of effects for one case in a vast range of possible cases - much more research remains to be done.

Link: http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=2133&Section=AGING