Related Experiment Videos
Mouse models for telomere and telomerase biology
Cheolho Cheong1, Kyung Uk Hong, Han-Woong Lee
1Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Korea.
Experimental & Molecular Medicine
|July 15, 2003
Summary
Telomeres protect genomic stability, maintained by the telomerase complex (TERT and TERC). Mouse models reveal telomere biology insights and emerging novel telomerase functions, crucial for understanding human health.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Mammalian Genetics
Background:
- Telomeres are critical for genomic stability in eukaryotes.
- Telomere maintenance relies on the telomerase complex, comprising telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA component (TERC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review gene-targeted and transgenic mouse models of telomerase and telomere biology.
- To discuss emerging novel functions of the telomerase complex beyond telomere maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gene-targeted and transgenic mouse models.
- Analysis of studies investigating telomere biology and telomerase function in mice.
Main Results:
- Mouse models have significantly advanced understanding of telomere dysfunction and its organismal impact.
- Evidence suggests novel, non-telomere-maintenance roles for the telomerase complex are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are invaluable tools for studying telomere biology and telomerase function.
- Further research into novel telomerase functions may uncover new therapeutic targets.