On/Off Switch for Aging Cells Discovered

Our cells contintinuously divide in order to replenish the organs in our bodies that allow us to live. These organs include: lungs, skin, liver, and many other organs. However, as we age our cells no longer have this ability to divide and create new cells. When cells reach the point where they can no longer divide indefinitely, this causes a domino effect. First the cells stop dividing, then the tissues in the organs start to degenerate, and finally the organs themselves start to fail. This has proven to be an issue for many scientists. Fortunately, new research conducted by scientists in the Salk Institute has shown that telomerase, an enzyme that rebuilds telomeres and allows cells to divide indefinitely, can be turned off. With this discovery, scientists have decided to manipulate the telomerase by turning it off, therefore slowing down the telomere shortening process. This is beneficial because later in life the telomerase can be manipulated again, but this time by being turned on. Turning on the telomerase would promote healthy cells to divide indefinitely so that organs still have their function even during old age. To learn more about this discovery, you can click on the source provided below. 

Source: http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930631000263