David Sinclair (left) and Haim Cohen have identified a gene that some cancer cells may use to retain telomeres, and thus become immortal. People with a defective copy of the gene age prematurely, presumably due to a lack of telomeres. Photo by Pam Murray |
Cancer cells' immortality may depend on longevity proteinBlocking molecule may keep cancer from proliferatingMarch 23, 2001A team of Harvard Medical School researchers has identified a protein that 10 percent of tumor cells use to attain an immortal state. By blocking the molecule, it may be possible to stop these cancer cells from proliferating. The approach might also be used as part of a two-pronged strategy to combat the remaining 90 percent of tumors, the researchers say. "This gives us a new drug target for cancer," said David Sinclair, Harvard Medical School assistant professor of pathology. He and Haim Cohen, HMS research fellow in pathology, published their findings in March 2001. |
