Stabilization of short telomeres and telomerase activity accompany immortalization of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed human B lymphocytes.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
We have measured telomere length and telomerase activity throughout the life span of clones of human B lymphocytes transformed by Epstein-Barr virus. Shortening of telomeres occurred at similar rates in all populations and persisted until chromosomes had little telomeric DNA remaining. At this stage, some of the clones entered a proliferative crisis and died. Only clones in which telomeres were stabilized, apparently by activation of telomerase, continued to proliferate indefinitely, i.e., became immortal. Since loss of telomeres impairs chromosome function, and may thus affect cell survival, we propose that telomerase activity is required for immortality. We have now detected this enzyme in a variety of immortal human cells transformed by different viruses, indicating that telomerase activation may be a common step in immortalization.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Counter, CM; Botelho, FM; Wang, P; Harley, CB; Bacchetti, S
Published Date
- May 1994
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 68 / 5
Start / End Page
- 3410 - 3414
PubMed ID
- 8151802
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC236835
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0022-538X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1128/JVI.68.5.3410-3414.1994
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States