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Project Immortality

Can a cell keep dividing indefinitely while maintaining genomic stability?

Cell division, DNA damage, and a question of repairA cell divides into two, then more cells. DNA damage accumulates. Two possible pathways lead to senescence or malignant transformation, also called cancer. A third branch asks: Can we introduce DNA repair genes to prevent DNA damage?Cell divisionDNA damage accumulatesPossible outcomesSenescenceMalignant transformationCancerCan we introduce DNA repair genesto prevent DNA damage?
Hydroxyl radical•OHFormaldehydeEndogenous aldehydeCOHHGamma rayγ
Adding complementary DNA repair mechanisms with the goal of maintaining genomic stability over prolonged passage cycles.
Explore the cell atlas

The cell, in context.

Select an organelle to explore its biology, then follow the related damage and maintenance mechanisms through films, molecular explanations, and research.

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How do we address
this problem?

Strengthen the cell’s capacity to repair DNA.

Project Immortality explores whether combining complementary DNA-repair mechanisms can support continued cell division while preserving genomic stability.

Ordinary cell division compared with the research goalUnmodified cells divide and eventually reach replicative senescence at the Hayflick limit. A separate abnormal pathway involving loss of growth control can lead to malignancy. The lower row shows modified green cells dividing into a larger population. Infinity and stable genomic integrity represent research goals, not demonstrated outcomes.Unmodified cellsDividesDivides → Hayflick limitSenescenceLoss of growth controlCancerModified cells · Research goalDividesDivides × ∞Stable genomic integrity
Discuss the research
Nicolas Martinez working in the BSC

Nicolas Martinez, working in the BSC