Scientists have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a key part of our chromosomes that helps determine how our cells age and develop cancer.
The structure of the telomere, a protective cap at the end of each chromosome, has been eluding scientists for decades. But now, using a powerful new imaging technique, researchers have finally been able to peer inside telomeres and see them in all their glory.
The findings, published in the journal Nature, could help improve our understanding of how human cells age and how some cancers develop.
Telomeres are made up of repeating stretches of DNA and protect our chromosomes from deterioratings or fusing with other chromosomes. Every time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter and eventually they become so short that the cell can no longer divide and dies.
This process is thought to play a role in ageing and some age-related diseases, such as cancer. cancers can develop when telomeres become critically short and the cell can no longer divide properly.
The new study provides the first detailed look at the three-dimensional structure of telomeres and how they are arranged inside cells.
The researchers used a powerful imaging technique called cryo-electron tomography to examine the telomeres of healthy human cells.
They found that telomeres are arranged in a helically structure and are connected to each other by a scaffold of proteins. This scaffold is thought to protect the telomeres from being damaged or destroyed.
The findings could help scientists develop new treatments for diseases that are associated with telomere shortening, such as cancer.
The new study provides the first detailed look at the three-dimensional structure of telomeres and how they are arranged inside cells.
The researchers used a powerful imaging technique called cryo-electron tomography to examine the telomeres of healthy human cells.
They found that telomeres are arranged in a helically structure and are connected to each other by a scaffold of proteins. This scaffold is thought to protect the telomeres from being damaged or destroyed.
The findings could help scientists develop new treatments for diseases that are associated with telomere shortening, such as cancer.
In a study led by the University of Chicago, scientists have discovered the 3D structure of a key part of our chromosomes. The findings, published in the journal Nature, could improve our understanding of how humans age and develop cancer.
The observed structures are telomeres, which are the ends of our chromosomes. Telomeres play an important role in cell division, and their length is thought to be a key determinant of a cell’s lifespan.
Previous studies had suggested that telomeres adopt a looped structure. However, the new study shows that they actually have a more complex, hyper-coiled structure. This 3D structure is thought to be critical for the function of telomeres.
The findings could help to explain how telomeres shorten with age, and how this contributes to the aging process. They could also provide insights into how telomeres can malfunction and lead to the development of cancer.
Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and to explore their implications. However, the discovery of the 3D structure of telomeres is a major advance in our understanding of these important chromosome structures.
