What controls the tips of our chromosomes?

(Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia) The tips of our chromosomes have structures called telomeres that prevent our genetic material from unfolding. When they do not work properly, it can lead to the total erosion of our genetic material and can trigger cancer and age-related diseases. In a study now published in EMBO Journal, a research team from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ci ê ncia (IGC; Portugal), led by Jose Escandell and Miguel Godinho Ferreira, discovered a key aspect of the regulation of telomeres.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news