Aubrey de Grey wrote:
>> William wrote:
>> > 1) Has *anyone* been able to "immortalize" a mouse cell by the
> > insertion of a telomerase gene which would cause the cell to produce
> > telomerase?
>> to which Tom Mahoney replied:
>> > Yes, the replicative cells of mice respond in the same manner as human
> > cells when the catalytic component for telomerase is introduced. They
> > continue normal growth and don't enter senescence so long at the mTRT
> > is active.
>> to which William replied:
>> > Thank you *VERY* much for answering that question! :-)
> > I really appreciate it. At least now we know that the loss of
> > replicative potential in the cells of mice is indeed caused be
> > telomere shortening, and not some other mechanism.
> > And since we know this is true, then we can be fairly certain that if
> > a telomerase knock-in mice is created, then its cells will indeed be
> > immortal with an unlimited replicative potential.
>> Sometimes I wonder why I bother trying to raise the standard of scientific
> analysis here. Tom provides no references for his assertion, then William
> accepts it utterly uncritically, yet Tom makes no further comment. If such
> seasoned participants in the group remain so unable to learn how science
> works, I have very little hope for the lurkers.
Aubrey, please don't despair by visiting the sins of some onto all
others.
The most vocal are often not the most insightful and understanding, but
rather those with axes to grind or myopic eyes (and we all have myopia
to some extent).
In this case, you know that Tom (Mahoney) tends toward true believerism
and universalism concering telomere importance, and have you forgotten
that while bright, friendly, eager, and industrious, William is a callow
youth of 19, only just finished high school.
Please hang in there.
I am sure that we all sincerly appreciate your sound reasoning and
explanations.
--Tom
Tom Matthews
The LIFE EXTENSION FOUNDATION - http://www.lef.org - 800-544-4440
A non-profit membership organization dedicated to the extension
of the healthy human lifespan through ground breaking research,
innovative ideas and practical methods.
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