Telomerase activity in cancer: a magic bullet or a mirage?
Telomerase is an important enzyme required for maintenance of chromosome ends (telomeres) during cell division. Since elevated activity of telomerase has been selectively demonstrated in a large number of human cancers, it has generated considerable excitement as a potential cancer marker, a prognostic factor, and a target of possible anticancer strategy. This article details diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic prospects linked to the measurement of telomerase activity and the growing complexity of its regulation and function.
Soria
J C
JC
Department of Medicine, Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France.
Vielh
P
P
el-Naggar
A K
AK
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D011379:Prognosis; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D016615:Telomere / Q000187:drug effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019098:Telomerase