Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
Telomeres and telomerase in endocrine pathology
1Department of Pathology, G. Gennimatas Athens General Hospital, Greece. gkonto@atlas.uoa.gr
Endocrine
|December 29, 1998
Summary
Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and the enzyme telomerase is crucial for this process. Studying telomere length and telomerase activity in human cancers may aid in diagnosis and lead to new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends, vital for chromosomal integrity.
- Telomerase synthesizes telomeric repeats, stabilizing chromosome ends.
- Telomere stability and telomerase activation are key to cell immortalization and tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate telomeric length and telomerase activity in human neoplasms, specifically endocrine tissues.
- To determine if telomerase activity can differentiate between normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic tissues.
- To explore the potential of telomerase inhibition as a cancer therapy strategy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of telomeric length in various human neoplasms.
- Assay of telomerase activity in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic tissues.
- Comparative studies focusing on endocrine tissue neoplasms.
Main Results:
- Telomeric length and telomerase activity patterns were examined in several human neoplasms.
- Findings suggest telomerase activity levels correlate with tissue type (normal, hyperplastic, neoplastic).
- The study provides data on telomere and telomerase in endocrine neoplasms.
Conclusions:
- Assessment of telomerase activity can help distinguish neoplastic from non-neoplastic tissues.
- Telomerase activity is a significant factor in tumor progression.
- Inhibiting telomerase may offer a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.
More Related Videos
10:14Telomerase Activity in the Various Regions of Mouse Brain: Non-Radioactive Telomerase Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) Assay
Published on: September 2, 2014
08:34Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer
Published on: April 13, 2015
Related Concept Videos
00:46What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
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...
02:41Telomeres 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.
00:59Structures of the Endocrine System
The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
01:29The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...