Telomeres are found at the end of linear chromosomes. They consist of DNA repeats that are synthesized by an enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase is not expressed in normal somatic cells, and inappropriate expression has been linked to the formation of tumours. To study the function of telomerase, knockout mice have been generated. Interestingly, these mice are both viable and fertile. But later generations of the knockout mice start to develop cancer, dealing a possible blow to anti-telomerase cancer therapies.
- David Wynford-Thomas
- David Kipling