Studies probe role of telomere length in predicting, modulating cancer risk.

摘要

RESEARCHERS HAVE KNOWN FOR some time that telomeres, DNA-protein complexes at the ends of chromosomes, help protect the body's cells, including reducing the risk of cancer by preventing chromosomes from fusing with each other or rearranging. Emerging evidence also indicates that examining telo-mere length might help predict risk of certain cancers and that interventions such as stress reduction or exercise might help maintain and perhaps lengthen telomeres. Some of the latest evidence regarding telomeres and cancer was highlighted in studies presented at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), held in Orlando, Fla. When telomeres dwindle in size, which routinely occurs when the cell divides, their protective effect can be impaired. New findings indicate that telomere length is predictive of bladder cancer risk, and accelerated telomere shortening seen in chronically stressed patients with cancer potentially can be modulated.