>> However, there is no evidence that telomere shortening is involved in aging of normal human cells and/or humans. Even in very old people, they have plenty of telomere left. Furthermore, even if telomere shortening were important for aging (and adding telomerase back to these cells could reverse the aging process), this finding is completely irrelevant in terms of Geron having a product. <<
Well, seems there is evidence that adding telomerase gene results in lengthening of telomeres and greatly extended cell life. So your statement above even if correct, may not be relevant. Nor is it completely irrelevant in terms of having a product. Rather it is the first of many steps. I do agree it will be many years to a product.
>> the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas reported today the successful
extension of the life-span of normal human cells using the enzyme telomerase. In a paper published in
the journal Science, January 16, 1998, scientists explain that the introduction of an active telomerase
gene into normal mortal cells resulted in the lengthening of telomeres and a marked increase in the
life-span of the cells, making the cells potentially immortal. << |
