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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=8482