Breakthrough in understanding of Hodgkin’s disease
Posted on 16. Jul, 2009 admin2 in Health & Medicine, News
Hans Knecht, University of Sherbrooke and his colleagues just published in the journal Leukemia an article that explains how the cells responsible for Hodgkin’s disease.
Researchers have shown how the cell at the origin of this disease-the Reed-Sternberg cell-forms and divides, showing the important role of the ends of chromosomes, the telomeres. “The mechanism which secures the ends of chromosomes is visibly upset,” says Professor Knecht. The cells are always dividing, but by dividing it loses telomeres and eventually die. Before his death, it causes immense damage around of it. ”
The researchers are based on observations in three dimensions using nanotechnologies, with the help of a specialist from the University of Manitoba, Sabine May “This is a completely new approach, explains the researcher. With the new 3D technology, we could see things from a different angle, what we could not do before.”
Research teams are now working on new treatments that may act on telomeres.