Lordi Anne Tickell

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• The Role of Telomerase in the Progression of Cylindromas into Spiradenoma

A truncation mutation in the CYLD gene results in disfiguring, benign and painless tumours known as cylindromas to form on the scalp. It has been shown that these tumours can transition into painful spiradenoma tumours. Our aim was determine whether the enzyme telomerase is involved in this progression. Telomerase’ most famous role is preventing chromosomal shortening with age, but has also been implicated in many cancers. We used immunofluorescence staining and imaging techniques to do this. Due to the short duration of the project a definitive conclusion could not be made, but the foundation for further study has been laid.

Project Supervisor: Dr Gabriele Saretzki, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences

Funding source: Wellcome Trust