Final answer:
Telomere extension via telomerase can bypass cell aging and contribute to cancerous transformation. Telomerase activity in cancer cells allows for continued division and indefinite growth. Inhibiting telomerase may offer a therapeutic approach to combat cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telomere extension allows a cell to bypass normal replicative senescence and can contribute to the cell's transformation into a cancerous cell. Cells undergo a process called 'transformation' where they may acquire characteristics such as indefinite growth, chromosomal abnormalities, loss of contact inhibition, and the ability to grow without solid support. This is often associated with cancer, which is characterized by uncontrolled cell division, migration of cells (metastasis), and accumulation of mutations.
Within the context of aging and cancer, telomerase plays a crucial role. Most somatic cells do not produce telomerase, leading to telomere shortening and ultimately to cell aging and death. However, this enzyme is active in germ cells, adult stem cells, and notably, many cancer cells. In cancer cells, telomerase becomes active only after the telomeres have significantly shortened, contributing to the cells' continued division and transformation into a cancerous state. Therefore, by preventing telomere extension through telomerase inhibition during therapy, it might be possible to limit or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Research has shown that activating telomerase can reverse some aging processes in animal models, which suggests a potential therapeutic application in extending human lifespan and enhancing life quality for an aging population.