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Telomerase activity in human pleural mesothelioma
K Dhaene1, R Hübner, S Kumar-Singh
1Department of Pathology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
Thorax
|April 8, 1999
Summary
Telomerase is active in most malignant mesotheliomas, suggesting that targeting this enzyme could be a promising therapeutic strategy for this incurable cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Telomere shortening limits cell lifespan, acting as a tumor suppressor.
- Telomerase elongates telomeres and is crucial for cancer cell immortalization.
- Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate telomerase presence in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- To assess the potential of telomerase as a therapeutic target for mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Telomerase activity was measured using a telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay.
- Samples included 22 primary mesotheliomas, 2 benign tumors, 4 mesothelioma cell lines, and 6 normal mesothelial cell cultures.
Main Results:
- Telomerase activity was detected in 91% of primary mesotheliomas and all mesothelioma cell lines.
- Normal mesothelial cells and two benign tumors showed no detectable telomerase activity.
- Benign solitary fibrous tumors exhibited strong telomerase activity.
Conclusions:
- High telomerase activity in mesotheliomas supports its role in carcinogenesis.
- Telomerase inhibitors may offer a viable clinical treatment for malignant mesothelioma.
- Telomerase activity is a common feature in many cancers.