The 2009 Nobel Prize for Medicine has been awarded to researchers Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak for studying the way chromosomes are protected and for discovering the ‘immortality enzyme’ telomerase. The research could have ample implications on diseases such as cancer and other age related conditions. In keeping with the Nobel tradition, the Nobel Prize for medicine has been awarded first. The Nobel laureates shared a $1.4 million purse and a diploma, along with an invitation to the prize ceremonies to be held at Stockholm. For the first time in history, two women shared the Nobel Prize in medicine.
The scientists have been honored for their study of the way chromosomes are protected by the cap like telomeres and their discovery of the enzyme telomerase that allows cells to divide incessantly without dying. Telomeres are cap like structures at the tail end of the chromosomes that are bestowed with a unique DNA sequence that prevents their deterioration. The telomeres also act as deterrents to chromosomal rearrangement which may itself result in abnormalities. Telomeres are lost with each cell division exposing the chromosomes to unfavorable possibilities like cancer and aging. Blackburn and Szostak strived to explain that the unique DNA sequence in the telomeres protects the chromosomes from deterioration while Carol Greider and Blackburn identified the enzyme telomerase that replenishes or helps to rebuild the lost sequences of the telomeres. Cells age when the cap like telomeres are shortened. However, on the other hand, if the activity of the telomerase enzyme is sufficient enough telomere deterioration can be controlled and aging thwarted. Blackburn’s discovery proved the fact that stress has a definite impact on telomere reduction thus strengthening the mind body connection. Though increased telomere activity could ward off aging for a while it also increases a person’s risk to ward off cancer. This means that the steady shortening of the telomeres and the accompanying decreased telomerase activity is believed to be a process that is inbuilt in man as a survival mechanism.