Role of telomerase in normal and cancer cells

被引：161

作者：

Meyerson, M

机构：

[1] Harvard Univ, Sch Med, Dana Farber Canc Inst, Dept Adult Oncol, Boston, MA 02115 USA

[2] Harvard Univ, Sch Med, Dana Farber Canc Inst, Dept Pathol, Boston, MA 02115 USA

来源：

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY | 2000年 / 18卷 / 13期

关键词：

D O I：

10.1200/JCO.2000.18.13.2626

中图分类号：

R73 [肿瘤学];

学科分类号：

100214 ;

摘要：

Shortening of the telomeric DNA at chromosome ends is postulated to limit the lifespan of human cells. In contrast, activation of telomerase, the enzyme that synthesizes telomeric DNA, is proposed to be an essential step in cancer cell immortalization and cancer progression. This review discusses the structure and function of telomeres and telomerase, the role of telomerase in cell immortalization, and the effects of telomerase inactivation on normal and cancer cells. Moreover, data on the experimental use of telomerase assays for cancer detection and diagnosis are reviewed. Finally, the review considers the evidence regarding whether telomerase inhibitors could be used to treat human cancers. J Clin Oncol 78:2626-2634. (C) 2000 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

引用

页码：2626 / 2634

页数：9

共 117 条

[1]

Ahrendt SA, 1997, CLIN CANCER RES, V3, P1207

[2]

Avilion AA, 1996, CANCER RES, V56, P645

[3] Reconstitution of human telomerase activity in vitro [J].