Main description:

During our short time on earth, we all undergo the highly complex process of aging, and with it, we experience the many physiological symptoms. Studies of premature aging have produced a great deal of information that gives some aspects of aging a better understanding. This book explores Werner's syndrome. To some, Werner's syndrome is considered a caricature of aging, but others will find it fascinating that only one mutated human gene (WRN) can bring about a multitude of complicated phenotypes that are usually associated with aging.

Contents:

Preface 1. Clinical Aspects of Werner's Syndrome: Its Natural History and the Genetics of the Disease 2. Biochemical Roles of RecQ Helicases 3. Biochemical Characterizations of the Werner Syndrome DNA Helicase: Exonuclease 4. Proteins that Interact with the Werner Syndrome Gene Product 5. Sensitivity of Werner's Syndrome Cells to DNA Damaging Agents: Insights into the Biological Functions of the Werner Protein 6. Yeast RecQ Helicases: Clues to DNA Repair, Genome Stability, and Aging 7. Potential Function of the Werner's Syndrome Homologue in the African Clawed Frog and the Mouse 8. Proposed Biological Functions for the Werner Syndrome Protein in DNA Metabolism 9. Replicative Senescence, Telomeres, and Werner's Syndrome Index