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What are ‘zombie cells’ and are they good for you?

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2 years ago

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  • Ends of chromosomes are called telomeres that protect genetic material.
  • Each time cells divide, telomeres shorten and weaken.
  • Cells avoid turning cancerous by becoming zombie-like in process called cellular senescence.

If the ends of our chromosomes are damaged, “zombie cells” can take birth. These cells are alive but unable to function, according to a new study published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.

The ends of chromosomes are called telomeres that protect the genetic material. They form a protective lid on the chromosomes.

Each time cells divide, telomeres shorten and weaken. With age, therefore, telomeres lose their strength as the cells keep dividing. This means DNA becomes more prone to damage.

This damage can lead to gene mutation which can further result in cancer.

Cells avoid turning cancerous by becoming zombie-like in a process called cellular senescence.

These senescent cells are resistant to death. They can be good for health by inviting immune cells to fight any cancer cells.

However, they can also hinder tissue healing and immune functions by releasing chemicals that cause tumour growth.

Researchers decided to figure whether damaged telomeres are the only reason for cell senescence.

Findings confirmed that telomere damage was enough to trigger zombie cells even when it was not shortened. 

It is important because senescence can be triggered prematurely and cause age-related illnesses like cardiovascular disease, immunodeficiency, and cancer.

Therefore, telomeres are not only alerting bells indicating that a cell has divided too many times but also signals harmful levels of oxidative stress.

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Maintaining Fertiliser Price Stability: The Need for a Continuous Gas Supply to the Fertiliser Sector

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4 days ago

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To guarantee fertiliser price stability, a cabinet committee meeting was presided over by Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister.

Senior government officials, including Industries Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, attended the meeting.

The attendees received an update on the government’s, gas suppliers’, and fertiliser industry’s conversations. Additionally, the gas supply for the fertiliser sector was evaluated and determined to be adequate.

Throughout the Rabi cropping season, the Deputy Prime Minister ordered the fertiliser industry to maintain a continuous gas supply in order to guarantee steady production and stock levels.

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Fifth Straight Cut: PM Applauds SBP’s Policy Rate Reduction

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4 days ago

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has praised the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to lower its policy rate by an additional 2 percent, stating that the bank’s current 13 percent rate is encouraging for the nation’s economy.

He expressed optimism in a statement that the policy rate cut would encourage investment and further boost investor confidence in the country’s economy.

The prime minister said that decreasing the inflation rate also lowered the policy rate and that future inflation rate reductions will be even more pronounced.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Federal Finance Minister and other officials for their work in this area.

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GHQ Attack Case: Prosecution Seeks Bail Cancellation of CM KP & Other Accused, Indicts 9 More

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25 defendants, including PTI officials, have non-bailable arrest warrants issued by the Anti Terrorism Court of Rawalpindi for their failure to show up for court proceedings related to the GHQ attack case.

Judge Amjad Ali Shah added nine more suspects to the GHQ attack indictment list during today’s ATC Court sessions, bringing the total to 98.

Among the 61 defendants who appeared in court were Shah Mehmud Qureshi and the founder of the PTI.

Among those charged are Khadim Hussain Khokhar, Mehr Mohammad Javed, Chaudhary Asif, Zakir Ullah, Azeem Ullah, Shireen Mazatri, Major Retired Tahir Sadiq, and former MPA Rashid Hafeez.

A plea to cancel the bail of 23 suspects, including Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has also been filed by the prosecution side.

In the GHQ attack, there were 119 accused in total.

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