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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein
Published on: June 12, 2018
Telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit expression and proliferation index in Wilms tumor
Gulden Diniz1, Safiye Aktas, Aysen Turedi
1Pathology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Kibris Sehitleri Cad. 51/11 Alsancak, 35220, Izmir, Turkey. agdiniz@gmail.com
Summary
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in childhood Wilms tumors correlates with tumor size and patient survival. This finding suggests telomere maintenance is crucial for predicting outcomes in Wilms tumor patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Telomerase activity is essential for telomere maintenance and cellular immortality.
- Dysregulation of telomerase is implicated in various cancers, including childhood Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma).
- Limited research exists on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in Wilms tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate human TERT expression in childhood Wilms tumors.
- To correlate TERT expression with clinical prognostic factors like tumor weight, stage, histology, and Ki67 proliferation index.
- To assess the prognostic significance of TERT expression for patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of TERT expression on 41 archival Wilms tumor tissue sections.
- Determination of Ki67 proliferation index using immunohistochemistry.
- Statistical analysis including Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation.
Main Results:
- TERT expression was observed in 73.2% of Wilms tumors (weakly or strongly positive).
- TERT expression and Ki67 index significantly correlated with survival rate (p=0.032 and p=0.048, respectively).
- TERT expression and Ki67 index also correlated with tumor weight and dimensions (p=0.011 and p=0.040, respectively).
Conclusions:
- TERT expression is a significant factor associated with tumor size and survival in Wilms tumors.
- Senescence likely plays a role in Wilms tumor development.
- Assessing telomere maintenance through TERT expression can aid in predicting survival and guiding patient follow-up.
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