Scientists Map 3-D Structure of Telomerase Enzyme

Researchers from UCLA and UC Berkeley have determined how the various components of an entire telomerase enzyme complex fit together and function using a 3-D model, for the first time ever.  An article in Science Daily describes the first complete visual map of the telomerase enzyme.  This is important because the enzyme is known to play a significant role in aging and most cancers.  Telomerase enzymes work to maintain the protective ends at the ends of our cells, called telomeres.  Cancers cells have abnormally high telomerase activity compared to most normal cells.  The new 3-D model could be used to lead to new breakthroughs involving cancer treatment.   Researchers described the process of creating the model as putting together the pieces of a puzzle.   Co-first author Edward Miracco, a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral researcher, said,

When we started fitting in the high-resolution structures to the blob that emerged from electron microscopy, we realized that everything was fitting in and made sense with decades of past biochemistry research. The project just blossomed, and the blob became a masterpiece.

The new model will help pharmaceutical companies design new drugs that are easily able to target telomerase and inhibit it in cells.  Inhibiting the telomerase enzyme should be able to slow down cancer progression in most types of cells.  A study published in the Oxford Journals has shown how telomerase works to keep telomeres from shortening in cells affected by cancer using reverse transcription.  The  article also discusses how telomerase functions in tumor cells, and maintains telomere length within them.