Telomere Q-PNA-FISH--reliable results from stochastic signals.

Structural and functional analysis of telomeres is very important for understanding basic biological functions such as genome stability, cell growth control, senescence and aging. Recently, serious concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of current telomere measurement methods such as Southern blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Since telomere length is associated with age related pathologies, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, both at the individual and population level, accurate interpretation of measured results is a necessity.

Tebrophen--an old polyphenol drug with anticancer potential.

In vitro high-throughput screening was carried out in order to detect new activities for old drugs and to select compounds for the drug development process comprising new indications. Tebrophen, a known antiviral drug, was found to inhibit activities on inflammation and cancer related targets. In primary screening this semisynthetic halogenated polyphenol was identified to inhibit the activities of kinases ZAP-70 and Lck (IC₅₀ 0.

Human Xp/Yp telomere analysis by Southern-STELA.

Telomeres are specialized structures designed to protect the ends of linear chromosomes. They are dynamic structures such that in normal somatic cells they constantly shorten as cell division progresses. There is compelling evidence that telomere shortening leads to cell senescence, a process perceived as the main cause of aging in higher mammals.