Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, found a genetic variant that influences the ageing process among four new variants they linked to myeloma — one of the most common types of blood cancer.The study more than doubles the number of genetic variants linked to myeloma, bringing the total number to seven, and sheds important new light on the genetic causes of the disease.
One genetic marker found by the researchers is linked to a gene called TERC, which regulates the length of the telomere ‘caps’ on the ends of DNA. In healthy cells, these caps erode over time — causing tissues to age — but some cancer cells seem able to ignore the ageing trigger in order to keep on dividing. If further studies confirm the link, TERC could be a target for future myeloma treatments.
Read the full, original story here: Major Study Links Aging Gene to Blood Cancer
