Points to consider:
1. Human telomerase has not been cloned or purified yet. It is a huge
ribonucleoprotein complex (>800 kDa) which is very difficult to work
with.
2. All issues concerning gene therapy apply (delivery etc.).
3. Most importantly, increased telomerase activity is associated with a
wide variety of tumors. In short, cells that live longer are more
likely to become transformed. In fact, telomerase is being actively
targeted by several labs in the hope of inhibiting tumor growth.
Upregulating it in normal cells would not be a good idea.
Mark R. Miglarese, Ph.D.
Cancer Research
Pfizer Central Research
Box 372
Eastern Point Road
Groton, CT USA 06340
Phone: (860) 441-8478
FAX: (860) 441-1290
Email: miglaresemr at pfizer.com
