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Telomere and telomerase in oncology
1International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. mujiao@yahoo.com
Cell Research
|April 11, 2002
Summary
Cellular senescence is linked to telomere shortening. Telomerase, an enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity, maintains telomere length, enabling cell proliferation and potentially driving cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Telomere shortening limits human cell lifespan and triggers cellular senescence.
- Cellular immortalization requires mechanisms to maintain telomere length.
- Telomerase, a reverse transcriptase, is crucial for telomere maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of telomeres and telomerase.
- To elucidate the roles of telomeres and telomerase in cell immortalization and oncogenesis.
- To discuss telomerase assays for cancer detection and diagnosis, and its therapeutic inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of telomere and telomerase biology.
- Analysis of telomerase activity in normal somatic versus tumor cells.
- Review of experimental studies on telomerase assays and therapeutic inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Telomere shortening acts as a cellular aging clock.
- Telomerase activity is essential for overcoming senescence and achieving cell immortality.
- Telomerase is frequently active in tumor cells, implicating it in cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Telomeres and telomerase play critical roles in cell immortalization and cancer development.
- Telomerase assays show potential for cancer detection and diagnosis.
- Inhibiting telomerase is a promising strategy for anti-cancer therapy.