Discovery and research in quad-helix DNA has been published!

This discovery/research has vast implications in many areas. Could we learn enough to manipulate these quad-helix DNA sequences to prolong life for long-term space exploration? Could we cure cancer?

G-quadruplex motifs are also present at the ends of chromosomes (telomeres), and therefore G-quadruplex structures may also be involved in maintaining chromosome stability. Indeed, telomeric DNA G-quadruplexes have been isolated from genomic DNA using small-molecule ligands11 and, moreover, the application of such small molecules leads to cell death through the displacement of protective telomeric protein components

Since telomeres (similar to the plastic at the end of a shoelace to keep it from unraveling) are critical in the life span and replication control of all cells, this could be a breakthrough in both cancer treatments (uncontrolled cell replication) and lengthening the human lifespan in the future (controlled increase in cell replication)! Wow....just....wow.


Link to Original Research Publication
Quantitative visualization of DNA G-quadruplex structures in human cells

Related ATS discussions and the implications of telomere manipulation and study
Molecule That "Turns On Immortality Gene"!
The Immortal Ones: Is Telomere reconstruction the answer?

reply to post by Krakatoa


So isn't cancer by that logic; the opposite effect of immortality?

Cancer - Infinite bad cells

Immortality - Infinite good cells

?

Originally posted by VeritasAequitas
reply to post by Krakatoa

 

So isn't cancer by that logic; the opposite effect of immortality?

Cancer - Infinite bad cells

Immortality - Infinite good cells

?

Interesting perspective.....
But, not quite, IMO. It's more like Cancer is uncontrolled cell replication which results in DNA flaws happening much more frequently, and faster than the body's natural defenses can handle. Whereas, Immortality would be a regular reproduction of failing cells, resulting in less DNA replication damage, and at a pace the body's natural defenses can cleanly handle.

I'd much rather follow a group of dogs in a parade, than a group of elephants, if you know what I mean.