Scientists Capture Single Cancer Molecules at Work

Telomerase molecules add bits of DNA(telomeres) that prevent the genome from deteriorating which allows cells to keep dividing and become cancerous. The way telomerase is controlled is not fully understood because scientists are not able to see what the telomerase is doing and when its acting. Scientists at the University of Montreal figured out a way to see what telomerase is doing in cells by using microscopy techniques. They can actually tag the the telomerase with fluorescent proteins to make the molecule visible in a single living cell. Through this discovery the scientists have discovered factors that restrain the activity of telomerase while a cell is dividing. Through this discovery a key component in the development of cancer can be studied and understood at the molecular level, and maybe this will bring about change in treatment of cancer.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208125722.htm