World Monitor Magazine Spring | Page 70

science The results obtained for the first time confirm the fact that associated nuclear bodies (SNF) play an important role within the framework of the alternative mechanism of telomere lengthening. It can be assumed that disruption of the formation of associated nuclear bodies (SNF) is able to stop the proliferation of positive tumor cells. The results of the studies can probably be used to combat the development of tumor cells. However, the functions of associated nuclear bodies (SNF) remain unclear for the time being. Much remains to be learned in this area. Nevertheless, it is obvious that experiments with telomerase open new perspectives both in gerontology and in oncology for the diagnosis of cancer and, what is especially important, for its treatment. However, there are a number of tumors, about 10-15% of the total number, whose cells are able to divide endlessly without activation of telomerase. Cells of such tumors use the so-called mechanism of alternative telomere elongation (ATS). This is due to the presence in them of associated nuclear bodies (SNF). On telomeres such bodies are formed with the participation of PML-proteins (promyelocytic leukemia). In normal cells, these structures are not detected. Scientists from the University of Munich, using a new technique, managed to artificially recreate in living cells the associated nuclear bodies (AYAT). This task could be solved by attaching to the telomeres PML- proteins and other proteins of associated nuclear bodies. In the course of the conducted studies, scientists not only analyzed the process of formation of the bodies, but also followed what happens afterwards. In particular, the newly formed associated nuclear bodies (ANN) induced the elongation of repeating telomeric sequences. Elongation was by the mechanism of repair of DNA damage. 68 world monitor It is necessary to mention one more important discovery of British scientists from the University of Nottingham. The attention of biologists has long been attracted to planar worms, which have extraordinary abilities for regeneration. A group of biologists studied two types of these worms, reproducing sexually and by simple division. Both types are capable of restoring muscles, skin, insides and even nerve endings an infinite number of times. Scientists concluded that the advantage of asexual worms is that during the regeneration, the amount of telomerase in their cells increases dramatically. The presence of such a mechanism can potentially make them immortal. In 2009, "for the discovery of a mechanism for the protection of chromosomes by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase" and their influence on the aging process, three American scientists received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.