News

NIGMS-funded biologists have shown that losing just one telomere can lead to many abnormalities in a cell's chromosomes.

NIGMS-funded researchers have discovered that C. elegans can cap their chromosomes with two different types of telomeres, a finding with implications for aging and cancer.

In studying the chromosomes of patients with the premature aging disease Werner Syndrome, NIGMS-funded researchers have shown that rebuilding the chromosome tips blocks genetic damage associated with both aging and cancer.

The 2006 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research went to Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak for their prediction and discovery of telomerase. Joseph Gall received a special achievement award for his pioneering work on chromosome structure and function, and for championing women in science.

Long-time NIGMS grantee Joseph G. Gall has won a Lasker Award for his study of chromosome structure and function, his invention of an important technique, and his championing of women in science.

NIGMS grantee Carol Greider was among the winners of this year's Lasker Award for her work on telomerase, the enzyme that maintains the ends of chromosomes.

NIGMS-funded biochemists have determined the three-dimensional structure of a major domain of telomerase, the enzyme that helps maintain telomeres—the small protective caps on the ends of chromosomes—allowing DNA ends to be copied completely when cells are replicated.

Increasing scientific evidence suggests that prolonged pshycological stress takes its toll on the body. Now, NIGMS-supported scientists report that psychological stress may exact its toll, at least in part, by affecting molecules believed to play a key role in cellular aging and possibly, disease.