Geron/Clontech Offer Telomerase Overexpresser
Telomerase is an enzyme shown by Geron to confer unlimited replicative capacity to normal cells without causing deregulation of normal growth control (Bodnar, et al 1998, Science 279:349-352; Jiang, et al 1999, Nature Genetics 21:111-114; Morales, et al 1999, Nature Genetics 21:115-118). Telomerase-immortalized normal human cell lines provide significant advantages over primary cells and cells transformed with oncogenes that are routinely used in cell-based research.
Normal primary cells have a finite lifespan in culture, which has limited their use in research applications. Cells that have been transformed with oncogenes exhibit abnormal gene expression and impaired metabolism, which confound the study of various biological mechanisms and limit their effectiveness for drug screening and testing.
In contrast, telomerase-immortalized human cells provide stable, uniform cell populations for functional cell-based assays and long-term gene expression studies. Moreover, these immortalized cells can undergo repeated rounds of genetic engineering, thus enhancing their potential utility in biological studies, cell-based drug screens, and drug toxicity testing, as well as cell and gene therapy applications.
Effects of telomerase expression on cell life span. Population doublings exhibited by primary RPE clones (grey circles) and hTERT-RPE clones (pink triangles). Data provided courtesy of Choy-Pik Chiu, Geron Corp.
"Telomerase-immortalized normal human cell lines are a significant step forward for cell-based research in the pharmaceutical industry and provide an attractive replacement for primary and transformed cell lines. Through our alliance with Clontech, we plan to expand the family of Infinity Cell Lines over the coming months," said Melissa A. Kelly, Geron's director of corporate development.
Geron Corp. focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapeutic and diagnostic products to treat cancer and other age-related chronic degenerative diseases. Geron's technology platform includes the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of telomerase for cancer therapy; telomere and telomerase-based research and diagnostic tools; telomerase activation to extend the replicative lifespan of normal cells; and complementary stem cell, gene therapy, and nuclear transfer approaches to restore the function of degenerating organs.
Clontech Laboratories Inc., a Becton Dickinson company, develops, manufactures, and markets products for life science research. With over 1,500 products, the company has assembled over 1,500 products for molecular biology research. The company's products facilitate research analysis in the areas of gene identification, gene expression analysis, functional analysis, and target validation.
For more information: Nikki Zahl, Marketing Department, Clontech Laboratories Inc., 1020 E. Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303. Tel: 650-424-8222 ext. 1459 or 800-662-2566. Fax: 650-424-1088.