X-Message-Number: 8482
Date:  Wed, 20 Aug 97 16:52:19 
From: Mike Perry <>
Subject: Telomere breakthrough reported

The cloning of an important human telomerase gene has been reported 
in *Science* ("Telomerase catalytic subunits from fission yeast and 
human: a unique branch of reverse transcriptases," *Science* Aug. 15, 
1997.) Two collaborating groups were involved, Geron Corp.
and the University of Colorado, Boulder. According 
to Thomas Cech of UC Boulder, "The cloning of the active center of 
telomerase is a major milestone that sets the stage for more fully 
understanding the molecular genetics of aging and cancer." According 
to Ronald Eastman, president and CEO of Geron, "This is not just a 
very interesting scientific discovery. For the first time, we have 
the opportunity to enhance the lifetime of a normally dividing cell." 
More details were obtainable at various websites such as

http://www.biospace.com/whats_new/

and

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/97/08/14/gern_y000_1.html


Mike Perry

Mike Perry

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