- Researchers have generated a mouse with dysfunctional telomeres in
the liver and, as a result, it developed cellular alterations present in
human diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
- This study is the first to show that alterations in the functioning
of telomeres lead to changes in the liver that are common to diseases
such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, which are associated with an increased
risk of liver cancer
- This finding provides the basis for understanding the molecular
origin of these diseases, as well as identifying new therapeutic
strategies for their prevention and control
Madrid (Spain), April 16, 2015. Telomeres are DNA regions at the ends
of our chromosomes that protect the genetic data of cells, preventing
mutations and alterations in the DNA that could potentially cause
disease. Telomeres shorten throughout life in a process involving both
genetic and environmental factors. Telomere dysfunction —alterations in
the structure and/or functioning of telomeres— is one of the molecular
mechanisms underlying a number of age-related diseases but, to date,
little is known about its possible role in pathologies of the liver such
as cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver cancer.
In a study published in the Journal of Hepatology, Fabian Beier and
Paula Martínez —from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre´s
(CNIO) Telomere and Telomerase Group led by Maria Blasco— have created a
mouse model that recapitulates the origin of human diseases associated
with long-term or chronic liver damage, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
of the liver which, in turn, can progress to liver cancer over time.
This new mouse model reveals telomeric dysfunction as a potential factor
in triggering these diseases.
Read more... Labels: EASL 2015, history of HCV, telomeres