Telomerase expression in normal human fibroblasts stabilizes DNA 5-methylcytosine transferase I.
The finite proliferative potential of normal human fibroblasts can be overcome, a process commonly called immortalization, by the introduction of the catalytic subunit of human telomerase. In contrast to malignant transformation, the pattern of gene expression remains largely unmodified in telomerase-induced immortalization. Here we show evidence that suggests that the maintenance of a "young" pattern of gene expression by telomerization is mediated, at least in part, by a novel function of human telomerase that involves regulation of DNA methyltransferase I gene expression.
Young
Juan I
JI
Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. jyoung@bcm.tmc.edu
Sedivy
John M
JM
Smith
James R
JR
D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017931:DNA Primers; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000201:enzymology; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D006801:Humans; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D015854:Up-Regulation
D017931:DNA Primers; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; D019098:Telomerase