In a study published in the journal Cell, researchers from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new method to visualize aging and tumor growth in mice using a gene closely linked to these processes. Researchers have long known that the gene, p16INK4a (p16), plays a role in aging and cancer suppression by activating an important tumor defense mechanism called ‘cellular senescence’. The UNC team led by Norman Sharpless, MD, has developed a strain of mice that turns on a gene from fireflies when the normal p16 gene is activated. In cells undergoing senescence, the p16 gene is switched on, activating the firefly gene and causing the affected tissue to glow. Read more here.
Study mentioned: Burd CE, et al. Monitoring Tumorigenesis and Senescence In Vivo with a p16INK4a-Luciferase Model. 2013; 152(1):340-351.
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