Stabilization of short telomeres and telomerase activity accompany immortalization of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed human B lymphocytes.

摘要: Abstract We have measured telomere length and telomerase activity throughout the life span of clones human B lymphocytes transformed by Epstein-Barr virus. Shortening telomeres occurred at similar rates in all populations persisted until chromosomes had little telomeric DNA remaining. At this stage, some entered a proliferative crisis died. Only which were stabilized, apparently activation telomerase, continued to proliferate indefinitely, i.e., became immortal. Since loss impairs chromosome function, may thus affect cell survival, we propose that is required for immortality. We now detected enzyme variety immortal cells different viruses, indicating be common step immortalization.