Telomere Length in Blood Chromosomes Serve As Health Indicators

Studies reveal shorter telomere length in the blood cell is associated with pancreatic cancer.

Telomeres are the capping blocks to chromosomes; the tip of the iceberg shielding the underlying foundation so to speak. Chromosomes, the fountain of genetic material beneath the telomeres, contain important instructions for the cell to divide in order – and avoid cancerous outbreaks.

Telomere location on chromosome

As a cell divides its telomeres naturally grow shorter in length. Telomeres provide stability and strength of gene cohesiveness. Individuals are more prone to genetic mutations and disease as their telomeres degrade with age.

Many factors influence the length and health of telomeres. Such factors include stressful lives, chronic inflammation, poor glucose control, and cigarette smoke. Poor habits such as those set the ground for genetic damage.

Telomere length is currently finding uses as an health indicator pointing to problems besides pancreatic cancer. In fact, shortened telomeres in blood have been found in populations suffering from colon cancer.

Dr. Lisa A. Boardman, of Mayo Clinic, and other researchers hope to create a telomere marker test to be used for clinical diagnosis. Their research is currently being published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Source: Biomedical Blog