Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
08:26
Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein
Published on: June 12, 2018
Telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in colorectal carcinoma
Jian-Lun Liu1, Lian-Ying Ge, Gui-Nian Zhang
1Department of Gastrointestinal and Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. jianlun@public.nn.gx.cn
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 21, 2006
Summary
Telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression are significantly elevated in colorectal carcinoma, correlating with tumor progression and metastasis. Overexpression of hTERT is key to regulating this activity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Colorectal carcinoma is a significant global health concern.
- Telomerase plays a crucial role in cellular immortalization and cancer development.
- Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the catalytic subunit of telomerase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate telomerase activity and hTERT expression in colorectal carcinoma.
- To compare these markers in tumor tissues, adjacent tissues, normal mucosa, and adenomatoid polyps.
- To evaluate the relationship between telomerase/hTERT and colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and progression.
Main Methods:
- Modified telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) for telomerase activity.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hTERT expression.
- Immunohistochemical methods for hTERT expression analysis.
- Analysis of 30 colorectal carcinoma samples and 20 adenomatoid polyp samples.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher telomerase activity (83.33%) and hTERT expression (76.67%) were observed in colorectal carcinoma compared to other tissues (P=0.027).
- Elevated levels were noted in tumors with lymphatic metastasis (P=0.034).
- Telomerase activity positively correlated with hTERT expression (P=0.021).
Conclusions:
- Telomerase activity is closely linked to the occurrence, development, and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma.
- Overexpression of hTERT is implicated as a critical regulator of telomerase activity in colorectal cancer.
- These findings highlight telomerase and hTERT as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer.
Related Concept Videos
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...