Telomeres and telomerases: intimations of immortality.
There is a constant balance in cancer cells between division and death. The malignant phenotype is associated with a continuing cell cycle or 'immortalization'. Telomeres, structures that cap the chromosomes, are related to cell longevity and are regulated by a ribonucleoprotein called telomerase. This review describes the possible roles of telomeres and telomerase in the malignant process.
Crocker
J
J
Department of Cellular Pathology, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK. crockej@heartsol.wmids.nhs.uk
D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D019098:Telomerase / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D016615:Telomere / Q000502:physiology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019098:Telomerase